In 1996, Kosmosbek founded his own “GalenPharm” company in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to produce ointments and tinctures from locally grown medicinal herbs. With a series of five loans, he has been able to develop the business, improve production facilities and expand distribution throughout Kyrgyzstan. Today, Kosmosbek employs 50 full-time and 15 part-time employees. His future plans include specialized drugstores providing consultation and treatment with herbal remedies.

GalenPharm produces more than 60 varieties of medical treatments (about half of them made from local herbs) and also exports herbs to Russia and Korea. They recently developed, tested and launched a new ointment for burn treatment, working with a young, local pharmacist. GalenPharm also lead a successful initiative to develop and pass legislative norms and procedures for pharmaceutical production in Kyrgyzstan.  Photography: Kompanion Financial Group

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