Recent statements by Egypt’s Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar has shed further light on the country’s hard efforts over the past few years to promote the drug industry, seeking to become a regional hub for the production of medication and medical supplies.
Addressing an event organised by the Egyptian Lebanese Businessmen Association (Elba), the minister lauded the capabilities of Egyptian pharmaceutical companies, which has come to produce 90 per cent of drug needs at home. This contributes to pharmaceutical security, and enhances Egypt’s ability to face health challenges.
Abdel Ghaffar also called for continued efforts to expand the localisation of the industry, to produce biopharmaceuticals locally and to open new markets in the Africa.
In fact, the state under President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, has been working as hard as ever, to further promote the industrial scene and localise various industries, as part of unprecedented efforts to achieve comprehensive development across the nation.
The drug industry has received due share of the state drive to become a regional industrial hub.
In previous statements, Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli, said that the pharmaceutical industry started in Egypt more than a century before, and over the last three years, 15 new drug plants were established, bringing the total to 172.
In addition, 33 new cosmetics factories have been established, totalling 120, in addition to 116 factories for medical supplies and devices, in addition to four new factories to produce raw materials and biopharmaceuticals that go into the pharmaceutical industry.
These include medication for advanced diseases such as oncology, for instance.
The dire need to localise the pharmaceutical industry has been felt during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Egypt could boost its pharmaceutical exports and increase its share of the global market by investing in advanced pharmaceutical technology, applying global quality standards, obtaining international certifications, and collaborating with global inspection agencies to secure export approvals, he noted.
A top government objective has been to achieve self-sufficiency of pharmaceutical production. By encouraging local manufacturing of essential medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), the government has significantly reduced reliance on imports, which can be vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions.
Strategic investments have been launched to build state-of-the-art facilities and upgrade existing infrastructure, enabling local companies to meet international quality standards.
To attract both domestic and foreign investment, the state has introduced a range of incentives, including tax breaks, subsidised land for building factories, and streamlined regulatory processes.
These measures have encouraged multinational pharmaceutical companies to establish manufacturing facilities across the country. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have been instrumental in accelerating growth and innovation, fostering collaboration between the government and industry leaders.
In line with global trends, the state has prioritised research and development to drive innovation in the drug-producing sector. Dedicated funding programmes have been launched to support the development of new drugs, vaccines, and biopharmaceuticals. Research institutions and specialised universities are working closely with drug companies to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial production.
With a robust manufacturing base and adherence to international quality standards, local companies have been able to export their products to various countries worldwide. Government-backed trade initiatives and export incentives have further enhanced the global competitiveness of the sector, contributing to economic growth and strengthening the country’s reputation as a reliable supplier of pharmaceuticals.
The government’s efforts to localise pharmaceutical production have had a direct impact on boosting access to healthcare accessibility. Reducing the cost of medicines and ensuring a stable supply of essential drugs, healthcare has been made more affordable for people. Additionally, the availability of locally produced vaccines and medications has enhanced the country’s preparedness to address public health emergencies, including pandemics.
The private sector plays a pivotal role in advancing Egypt’s pharmaceutical industry, particularly multinational corporations, by introducing the latest products and modern drug manufacturing technologies.
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