Getz Pharma’s Astola Facility Achieves WHO Prequalification, Reinforcing Global Quality Leadership
Getz Pharma’s Astola Facility Achieves WHO Prequalification, Reinforcing Global Quality Leadership
Getz Pharma has received World Health Organization (WHO) Prequalification for its Astola manufacturing facility on 2nd November 2026, one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in South Asia. This achievement demonstrates that the facility meets internationally recognized standards of quality, safety, and efficacy, further reinforcing Getz Pharma’s commitment to delivering high-quality medicines to patients worldwide.
What is WHO Prequalification?
WHO Prequalification is among the most stringent quality benchmarks in the global pharmaceutical industry. The assessment involves a comprehensive evaluation of manufacturing facilities, products, processes, and quality management systems against globally recognized standards.
WHO Prequalification enables eligible medicines to be considered for procurement by United Nations agencies and other global health organizations, supporting broader access to quality-assured medicines worldwide.
Building on a Legacy of Quality Excellence
In 2013, Getz Pharma’s Quality Control (QC) laboratories became the first in the region to achieve WHO Prequalification. This was followed by PIC/S approval in 2014 and WHO Prequalification of a Getz Pharma manufacturing facility in 2017.
The Astola facility now joins this legacy of internationally recognized certifications, prequalification, and regulatory approvals, further strengthening the company’s commitment to excellence across every stage of the pharmaceutical value chain, from sourcing raw materials and manufacturing to packaging, storage, distribution, and transportation of finished products.
The Astola facility combines advanced manufacturing technologies, robust operational systems, and a highly skilled workforce. Achieving WHO Prequalification requires stringent process controls, rigorous testing protocols, comprehensive documentation practices, and a culture of continuous improvement embedded throughout the organization.
“The WHO Prequalification of the Astola facility reflects Getz Pharma’s long-standing belief that patients everywhere deserve access to medicines manufactured to the highest international standards,” said Zeeshan Ahmed, Deputy Managing Director, Getz Pharma.
“This achievement is a testament to Getz Pharma’s sustained investment in research and development, quality excellence, and the continuous advancement of our human capital. It further reinforces our commitment to expanding access to medicines that meet globally recognized standards, including WHO, PIC/S, and EAEU requirements, while driving innovation and enhancing the global competitiveness of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry.”
Getz Pharma’s quality credentials extend beyond WHO recognition. The company holds internationally recognized certifications, regulatory approvals, and quality recognitions, including Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) approvals from the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
In addition, the Astola facility has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), reflecting the organization’s commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.
With the WHO Prequalification of the Astola facility, Getz Pharma has become the only pharmaceutical company in Pakistan whose manufacturing facilities hold both WHO Prequalification and PIC/S approval. Together, these achievements underscore the company’s operational excellence, robust compliance framework, and ability to consistently meet the highest global quality and regulatory standards.
A Global Healthcare Organization
This unwavering focus on excellence has earned the trust of healthcare professionals and patients worldwide and contributed to Getz Pharma’s position as Pakistan’s leading pharmaceutical company. Today, the company is Pakistan’s largest pharmaceutical exporter, with a presence in more than 45 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
“This recognition is not merely an achievement for Getz Pharma, but a proud moment for Pakistan. It reflects our country’s talent, expertise and industrial capacity to manufacture medicines that meet international standards. It is a testament to the dedication of our healthcare professionals and our commitment to millions of patients who depend on safe, effective and affordable medicines. We take pride in contributing to Pakistan’s growing presence in the global pharmaceutical industry and strengthening its reputation as a trusted manufacturing destination,” said Khalid Mahmood, Executive Chairman, Getz Pharma.
As Getz Pharma continues to expand its international footprint, the WHO Prequalification of the Astola facility further strengthens its ability to serve global healthcare systems and support broader access to high-quality, affordable medicines. Building on a strong foundation of innovation, quality excellence, and regulatory compliance, the company remains committed to advancing healthcare outcomes for patients worldwide.
Getz Pharma has achieved WHO Prequalification, with its product now listed on the WHO website.
