KARACHI: A locally-invented iron supplement by a Pakistani pharmaceutical firm, Pharmevo, has clinched an international award at the 6th Annual Global Generics and Biosimilars 2019 ceremony in Frankfurt, Germany after it was declared as the best intervention to overcome iron-deficiency anemia among women and children.

Iron-deficiency anemia among women and children is around 50 percent and is the leading cause of stunted growth, malnourishment and serious health issues among Pakistani children while as many as 45 to 50 percent Pakistani women of reproductive age (15-49 years) are also anemic due to iron deficiency.

The company was awarded the Business Development of the Year Award at the international acclaimed exhibition and awards ceremony.

Felicitating his team of experts for the development and marketing of an internationally-acclaimed medicine, Managing Director of Pharmevo, Haroon Qasim said the conferment of prestigious global award to their firm at the most prestigious pharmaceutical forum in the world was ‘proud moment’ for entire Pakistan and its pharmaceutical industry.

“Unfortunately, we are at least 20 to 25 years behind the world in every field including development of medicines. We need big jumps and untiring efforts to get to the developed nations in the area of health”, he added.