Opinion: the risks facing the local veterinary pharmaceutical industry
The local veterinary pharmaceutical industry is vital for national health and food security, and its decline poses significant risks due to increased dependency on imports.
The local veterinary pharmaceutical industry is an essential sector in Argentina, responsible for developing, producing, and distributing medications and biological products for animal health. This industry is not merely an accessory of the economy; it plays a crucial role in ensuring national sanitary, food, and productive security. A reduction or disappearance of this industry can lead to crucial vulnerabilities, affecting not just economic aspects but also national sovereignty, especially if the country becomes overly reliant on imported products due to loss of competitiveness or excessive regulatory frameworks.
The production of domestic veterinary medicines is critical for sustaining prevention and control programs for animal diseases. The health of animals is interlinked with human health in what's known as the 'One Health' perspective, which acknowledges the interconnectedness between humans, animals, and the environment. Thus, the decline in local pharmaceutical production could have cascading effects on public health and biosecurity, potentially exacerbating existing health issues and creating new challenges if local outbreaks of animal diseases occur.
The need for a robust local veterinary pharmaceutical industry is underscored by the context of globalization and increasing market pressures. As Argentina faces challenges surrounding agricultural productivity and food security, ensuring a self-sufficient and competitive pharmaceutical sector for veterinary use is not only an economic necessity but a matter of national interest and health policy. Policymakers must recognize the importance of this sector and implement strategies to fortify its existence, as its decline can impact the countryβs food system and overall health security significantly.