In recent years, the demand for pharmaceutical products across the Muslim world has steadily increased—driven by rising populations, growing healthcare needs, and expanded access to medical services. According to the SGIE Report 2023/2024, several countries in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are now spending billions of dollars annually to meet their healthcare demands.
Saudi Arabia Tops the List
At the forefront is Saudi Arabia, which imported a total of US$5.55 billion worth of pharmaceutical products in 2022. As the largest economy in the Gulf and a regional healthcare hub, the Kingdom’s high spending reflects its efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and ensure access to modern medicines for its growing population.
Türkiye and Egypt: Strong Regional Demand
Türkiye follows closely, spending US$4.55 billion. The country has a strong domestic pharmaceutical industry, but it still imports a significant amount of specialized and branded drugs. Egypt, with a large and aging population, ranks third with US$3.43 billion in pharmaceutical imports.
UAE and Malaysia Among the Top Five
The United Arab Emirates comes next with US$3.09 billion in imports, reflecting its role as a medical tourism hub and a country with a high standard of private healthcare. Malaysia rounds out the top five, with US$2.22 billion spent on pharmaceuticals in 2022.
Central and Southeast Asian Importers Rising
Further down the list, countries like Kazakhstan (US$1.85B), Uzbekistan (US$1.58B), and Indonesia (US$1.51B) are showing increased spending on imported medicines—indicating growing investment in healthcare and expanding access to treatments.
Pakistan and Algeria Complete the Top Ten
The list is completed by Pakistan, which spent US$1.28 billion, and Algeria, with US$1.22 billion in pharmaceutical imports. Both countries face unique public health challenges and rely heavily on imports to meet domestic needs.
A Healthcare Transformation in Motion
The data reveals a larger trend: many OIC nations are in the midst of a healthcare transformation. From the Middle East to Southeast Asia and Central Asia, there is a growing commitment to improving medical services, investing in health infrastructure, and ensuring citizens have access to essential medicines. As these nations continue to grow and urbanize, pharmaceutical imports are likely to remain a key part of their development strategy.
