The production of medicines in Belarus increased by 7.2% in the first half of the year

July 26, Minsk /Nadezhda Radivon - BELTA/. The production volume in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry of Belarus in the first half of the year increased by 7.2% compared to the same period in 2009 and amounted to Br368 billion, the National Statistical Committee informed BELTA. The most dynamically developing products were vitamin preparations (127.6% of the January-June 2009 level), painkillers, antipyretics, anti-inflammatory drugs (120.1%), and drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (119.8%). Blood substitutes and other plasma-substituting agents were produced 8.6% more, antibiotics - 8.5% more, drugs for the treatment of endocrine system diseases, digestive organs and other internal diseases - 5.5% more, and medicinal drugs for the treatment of skin diseases and other external-use preparations - 5.9% more. The production of drugs for the treatment of eye diseases slightly decreased (84.4% of the 6 months of 2009 level). According to Belstat, the stocks of medicinal drugs as of July 1 amounted to Br84.1 billion, or 143.2% of the average monthly production volume. The profitability of sold products at the enterprises of the "Belbiofarm" concern in January-May was at the level of 23.8% (in January-May 2009 - 20.1%), and the sales profitability was 16.9% (13.9%).