The dialogue between the Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel al-Wazir, and the Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, on promoting pharmaceutical factories and maximizing investments in the field of localizing the pharmaceutical and medical industry is of crucial importance for the Egyptian health sector. This discussion aims to ensure the supply of quality and effective medicines, as well as to support the local industry.
Al-Wazir stressed the imperative for patients to have access to medicines that comply with the standards of the local and international pharmaceutical industrial system, as this directly affects the health of citizens and is one of the major priorities of the Egyptian government. He also stressed the importance of adhering to strict monitoring standards at all stages of the production process, in order to ensure the quality and effectiveness of medicines, in accordance with global requirements for good manufacturing practices and the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO).
This meeting is part of the implementation of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s directives to support industrial development and promote the localization of the pharmaceutical industry. Encouraging investment in the medical and pharmaceutical supplies sector and overcoming the challenges faced by the local industry are major priorities. These actions will result in the provision of high-quality medicines at affordable prices, meeting the needs of Egyptian citizens without burdening their finances.
The Minister of Industry stressed the commitment of the Egyptian Medicines Authority (EDA) to carry out all necessary periodic and surprise inspections to control all stages of the production process, in collaboration with representatives of the Industrial Development Authority. The inspections, conducted by a joint committee, will ensure the quality of medicines in accordance with international standards.
For his part, the Minister of Health praised the successes of medicine manufacturers in Egypt. Notably, the remarkable achievements within the framework of the presidential initiative “100 Million Health”, which enabled local pharmaceutical companies to meet the needs of the Egyptian state for medicines to treat the hepatitis C virus. A significant achievement that testifies to the essential role of the national pharmaceutical industry in ensuring the health of citizens.
This collaboration between the ministries and the competent authorities demonstrates the commitment of the Egyptian government to promoting the local pharmaceutical industry and ensuring citizens’ access to quality medicines. An approach that contributes to strengthening the public health system and ensuring the well-being of the population.