IranPharma: A Beacon of Global Health Diplomacy and Innovation
TEHRAN – The 10th IranPharma Exhibition has emerged as a significant event for health diplomacy and international engagement in the pharmaceutical sector. This exhibition, which took place from September 24 to 26, is the first international gathering of its kind following the 12-day conflict in June. It has drawn a remarkable number of participants from both domestic and international pharmaceutical companies, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of Iran’s health sector.
As the largest specialized pharmaceutical event in Iran, the IranPharma Exhibition showcased a diverse array of exhibitors and visitors. The event welcomed pharmaceutical companies from a wide range of countries, including:
- Argentina
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada
- China
- Czech Republic
- England
- France
- Finland
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- India
- United States
- Italy
- Japan
- Peru
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- Taiwan
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
This year saw a remarkable 30 percent increase in visitor numbers compared to previous years, signifying a growing interest in Iran’s pharmaceutical landscape. Currently, the Iranian pharmaceutical industry employs over 140,000 individuals, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy.
During the Iranian year 1403 (March 2024 – March 2025), medical exports are projected to rise by 16 percent compared to the previous year, with the first five months of the current Iranian year indicating an 11 percent increase in exports over the same period last year. The exhibition was hosted by the Iranian Syndicate of Pharmaceutical Industries at the Grand Musalla in Tehran, attracting a total of 373 domestic and 370 international companies, associations, and related organizations.
This year’s exhibition was themed “Sustainability, Resilience, and Innovation,” serving as a platform for domestic companies to address challenges in pharmaceutical manufacturing, showcase their export capabilities, and attract investment in innovative sectors. The event facilitated collaborative meetings and the signing of agreements with foreign companies, particularly from India and China.
The exhibition also featured several side events, including expert panels, business meetings, book exhibitions, and student tours, all of which drew considerable attention. Health Minister Mohammad-Reza Zafarqandi emphasized the government’s commitment to self-sufficiency in medicine and medical equipment production, stating, “We are trying to reach self-sufficiency for the supply of medicine and medical equipment.”
The head of Iran’s Union of Medical Equipment Manufacturers and Exporters revealed that medical equipment worth approximately $20 million is exported annually to over 60 countries. Abdolreza Yaqoubzadeh noted that more than 70 percent of medical equipment and 100 percent of standard hospital beds are produced domestically. In addition, over 95 percent of specific ICU and CCU beds, along with more than 85 percent of operating room medical equipment, including anesthesia machines, are manufactured using advanced technology within the country.
Yaqoubzadeh highlighted that Iran’s annual demand for medical equipment production stands at approximately $3 to $4 billion, with about $1 billion of that being met through imports. Currently, around 600 medical equipment companies operate within Iran, producing nearly 99 percent of the medicines available in the domestic market.
These manufacturers are capable of producing and supplying over 10,000 types of medical equipment for both domestic and international markets. Notably, various laboratory equipment is now manufactured in Iran at prices significantly lower than those of foreign counterparts, demonstrating the country’s growing capabilities in the healthcare sector.
The IranPharma Exhibition not only showcases the advancements in Iran’s pharmaceutical industry but also serves as a vital platform for fostering international cooperation and addressing global health challenges. As the country continues to focus on innovation and self-sufficiency, events like this will play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare in Iran and beyond.