After an 11-year hiatus, Pakistan’s sole opium manufacturing facility, the Government Opium Alkaloid Factory in Lahore, is poised to recommence operations, marking a significant development.
Originally established in 1942, the facility ceased production in 2012 due to various issues, including irregularities in opium tablet distribution and a lack of proper enforcement.
The revival of this facility holds substantial promise, potentially saving the country $400 to $500 million in foreign exchange. Opium, with its multifaceted medicinal applications, remains in high demand, and its legal accessibility is limited. In the absence of opium, herbal pharmacies have resorted to synthetic alternatives that are notably less effective.
The Government Opium Alkaloid Factory serves as a unique state-owned institution with a primary mission to supply medicinal opium powder to licensed pharmaceutical companies and herbal centers across the nation. Furthermore, it plays a role in providing opium to addicts, subject to the prescription of registered doctors in the Punjab region.
The reactivation of the Vermint Opium Alkaloid Factory is being closely monitored by a high-level committee, led by Punjab Excise Additional Director-General Mian Ahmad Saeed. The committee includes other members such as Excise Director Rizwan Akram Sherwani, Muhammad Asif, and Deputy Director Hafiz Zia Mustafa. This strategic initiative is poised to address the growing demand for opium while ensuring that it is utilized for medicinal and therapeutic purposes under strict regulatory oversight.
The revival of the opium manufacturing facility carries profound significance for Pakistan’s healthcare sector. Opium, with its versatile medicinal properties, is integral to various treatments and therapies. Its accessibility for medical use is crucial in ensuring that patients can access effective and proven treatments. The legal production and distribution of opium will also prevent reliance on synthetic alternatives that may not offer the same level of efficacy.