New Delhi: If the covid-19 pandemic is prolonged, pharmaceutical supplies are anticipated to be disrupted, as India contributes to 20% of world's drug supply by volume and China a source of 70% of the raw material for these drugs, said a new report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released on Wednesday.
As governments respond to the unprecedented health crisis and introduce economic stimulus packages, the report estimates that Asia-Pacific developing countries should increase health emergency spending by $880 million per year, it said.
The Survey also calls on Asia-Pacific countries to consider establishing a regional fund to respond to future health emergencies. "Meanwhile, the