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Dr Amer Qasim
Chairman & CEO
The pharmaceutical industry in Iraq is undergoing a phase of rapid growth and structural transformation, with the market projected to approach $1.72 billion by 2025 and expand at a CAGR of around 6.2% through 2029. Driven by rising healthcare demand, a population of over 40 million, and strong government intent to boost local manufacturing, the sector is at a critical inflection point. In this evolving landscape, leadership has become central to navigating both opportunity and complexity. Among the figures shaping this trajectory is Dr Amer Qasim, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Farabi Pharma Scientific Bureau.
With more than two decades of experience across the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical value chain, Dr Qasim’s career has been closely aligned with the realities of Iraq’s import-dependent market, where nearly 80–90% of medicines are sourced internationally. At the same time, he has positioned Farabi Pharma to respond to Iraq’s growing emphasis on capacity building and market maturity. He laid Farabi Pharma’s foundation in Baghdad in 2004 and, under his stewardship, emerged as one of the country’s leading pharmaceutical wholesalers and distributors, offering a diversified portfolio spanning pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and nutraceuticals.
A defining milestone in Dr Qasim’s leadership journey was the transformation of Farabi’s core pharmaceutical division into a profitable and expanding business, valued at approximately $8 million. His strategic focus on strengthening distribution networks, forging partnerships with global manufacturers, and expanding across key therapeutic segments has reinforced the company’s market standing. Grounded in his academic training in pharmaceutical sciences from Baghdad, Dr Qasim combines technical insight with commercial acumen, extending Farabi Pharma’s vision beyond national boundaries and towards the wider MENA region.
Dr Amer Qasim believes that Farabi Pharma’s role extends beyond distribution to building trust, ensuring continuity of care, and strengthening Iraq’s healthcare ecosystem through quality, affordability, and long-term partnerships. He emphasizes that when partners grow and patients receive better care, it signals meaningful progress for the company and the wider healthcare system.
Building a Trusted Pharmaceutical Distribution Backbone in Iraq
Farabi Pharma Scientific Bureau today stands as one of Iraq’s most established and trusted pharmaceutical distribution companies, operating in full compliance with regulations set by the Iraqi FDA and Ministry of Health. Alongside Ahmed AlJuburi and a dedicated professional workforce, Dr Qasim has built an integrated operating model encompassing pharmaceutical imports, wholesaling, and retail distribution.
The company’s wholesale business forms its operational nucleus, distributing nearly 10,000 products to a client base of more than 10,000 healthcare institutions nationwide. These include hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, drugstores, charities, agents, and national distributors. Beyond prescription medicines, Farabi Pharma supplies OTC products, dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, toiletries, cosmetics, and other Ministry of Health-approved health products.
Its portfolio spans branded and generic medicines, parallel imports, biologicals, surgical supplies, dressings, and temperature-sensitive products sourced from approved manufacturers across Europe, the United States, Canada, and Japan. Supported by ICH-GDP compliant systems, a robust logistics network, trained sales teams, and a doordelivery model serving over 1,000 chemists daily, Farabi Pharma plays a vital role in ensuring medicine availability across Iraq.
Mission and Vision: Building an Innovation-Led Pharma Ecosystem
At the core of Dr Amer Qasim’s mission is advancing patient care by ensuring consistent access to high-quality, affordable medicines. His leadership philosophy centres on building a results-driven, regulation-compliant distribution platform that serves physicians, patients, and trade partners while improving quality of life across communities.
Looking ahead, Dr Qasim’s vision extends beyond short-term growth to long-term sectoral transformation. He advocates rethinking traditional business models in favour of globally aligned, innovation-led growth. Under his leadership, Farabi Pharma aims to retain market leadership in key therapy areas within Iraq while expanding its footprint across the MENA region. Central to this vision is collaboration with international manufacturers, healthcare institutions, and public stakeholders to strengthen medicine availability and contribute meaningfully to the development of a resilient, trusted, and self-sustaining pharmaceutical ecosystem in Iraq.
Dr Amer Qasim, Chairman & CEO, Farabi Pharma
Dr. Amer Qasim is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Farabi Pharma Scientific Bureau, one of Iraq’s leading pharmaceutical wholesaling and distribution companies. With over 20 years of experience across the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sectors, he has played a key role in building Farabi Pharma into a nationwide distribution powerhouse since its founding in 2004.
Trained in pharmaceutical sciences in Baghdad, Dr. Qasim brings together scientific expertise and strategic leadership, with deep experience in marketing, sales, business development, and corporate strategy. Under his leadership, Farabi Pharma has expanded its product portfolio, strengthened partnerships with global manufacturers, and contributed to improving access to quality, affordable medicines across Iraq.