IFU and AKS Khan Holdings are excited to announce IFU’s landmark investment of USD 12.5 million into AKS Khan Pharmaceuticals (AKPL), Bangladesh’ leading chain pharmacy operator. The significant investment from IFU will support AKPL’ vision to increase access to world-class healthcare throughout Bangladesh.
Improving Bangladesh healthcare for the people
Timely and accurate diagnosis is fundamental to ensuring effective treatment of health conditions and improved human health. Access to quality, authentic medicine is crucial to treating and curing disease and ensuring quality of life for millions of chronic diseases sufferers across Bangladesh.
Reaching 8 million patients annually
The investment from IFU will enable AKPL to reach 8 million patients annually within five years, expanding its ecosystem of pharmacies and diagnostics, and scaling up innovative services including home Xray and ultrasound for vulnerable and elderly patients.
Additionally, the funds will support AKPL to roll out a wide range of programs on clinical quality and patient service, enhancing the quality and reliability of diagnostic services and medicines available to patients.
A major component of the growth strategy will focus on increasing the company’s presence beyond the capital Dhaka. This expansion is crucial for ensuring that underserved patients of Bangladesh gain improved access to quality healthcare.
Investing in new healthcare, for the new Bangladesh
The investment is also a demonstration of Denmarks’ ongoing commitment to build the economy and social development of Bangladesh, and vote of confidence in the country’s strong economic potential and future. IFU and AKS Khan are proud to collaborate to create jobs, wealth and taxes to benefit both the people of Bangladesh.
“Access to healthcare is a vital factor in enhancing a country’s social development. This is why healthcare investment stands as one of the four cornerstones of IFU’s strategy for driving meaningful impact. AKPL’s pharmacy-first primary care model, combined with their comprehensive diagnostic solutions, will extend quality healthcare services to millions more patients. Through this investment, we are committing to a healthier and more prosperous future for Bangladesh. Concurrently, we view this investment as financially robust, promising returns over time. This initiative exemplifies the kind of impact investment that has been IFU’s specialty since 1967 and will continue to be a part of our efforts, contributing to the green transition as well as economic and social development.”
Lars Bo Bertram CEO of IFU.
“Our aim is to reach every corner of Bangladesh with authentic affordable medicines and quality diagnostics. So, this investment is not just a boost of finance, it’s a boost of hope for the new Bangladesh, and those building quality healthcare to serve the people. Through our 50 new pharmacies and over 30 new diagnostic centres and hubs, we will be reaching over 8 million patients per year by 2029. And we will be ensuring international standard healthcare – authentic verified medicines, a deep focus on patient safety, empathy training for our doctors. We are building a healthcare business for the people, and from the heart – and hope to build a better Bangladesh,” said Samanzar Khan, MD and Founder, AKPL.