Nikolai Sherstnev: "BelVitunipharm" demonstrates stable growth dynamics in all indicators
According to Nikolai Sherstnev, at one time the company found itself in a rather difficult financial situation. However, the stabilization process has already passed - now "BelVitunipharm" demonstrates a steady growth dynamic in all indicators. "Today, the enterprise must build a new roadmap. We need to understand which veterinary drugs are in demand, how to link the activities of "BelVitunipharm" with production and agricultural organizations, and what innovative projects need to be implemented to obtain products that are in demand in domestic and foreign markets," noted Nikolai Sherstnev.
The head of the region believes that "BelVitunipharm" management has starting points for developing a unified comprehensive program in all the indicated areas. Moreover, the enterprise possesses the key components for the implementation of investment projects - raw materials and a team of experienced professionals.
According to OAO Director Sergey Bolshakov, the first project, costing about Br6 million, is related to the production of rabies vaccines. The business plan for it is already ready. The efficiency is seen as high: the project will pay for itself in two years. The enterprise intends to start its implementation in the near future, even without external support, solely through its own funds.
The second promising import substitution project concerns the development of serum production of blood preparations. "For us, this is a serious step forward, as there is nothing like it in Belarus at the moment. The market demand in our country alone already exceeds the planned initial annual output volume," the head said. The cost of this project is $2 million. However, the enterprise is limited in working capital (the main volume is directed towards the development of veterinary drug production, and part of the revenue goes annually to repay old debts), so for now it is forced to postpone its implementation slightly.
During the meeting, Sergey Bolshakov also made proposals that would benefit both the enterprise and the region's livestock industry. Among other things, it was announced that "BelVitunipharm" is ready to undertake the responsibility of forming a unified system for the region's veterinary service. To this end, enterprise specialists will conduct an attestation of all veterinarians in the region during 2020-2021 to determine the overall level of their competence and form a reserve of the most knowledgeable specialists, as well as systematically organize practical skills enhancement training. "We already hold such events (lectures, discussions, round tables), they yield real results, as they allow participants to improve their personal level through experience exchange. Specialists even come from the Brest region to such meetings," the director noted.
Speaking to journalists and summarizing his visit to the enterprise, Nikolai Sherstnev noted that key development directions were outlined during the meeting. "We have determined what we will be doing in the near future, how to link the veterinary drugs produced by BelVitunipharm with manufacturers, how to move forward, monitor the impact of the drugs, train our specialists on the ground, that is, to interact closely and comprehensively," concluded the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee.
BelVitunipharm OJSC is a leading enterprise in Belarus's biological industry, specializing in complex innovative therapeutic, prophylactic, and biological preparations for veterinary needs. Their product range includes over 150 items. The enterprise accounts for almost 50% of the total volume of veterinary drugs used in the country.