Ethiopian government and World Health Organization (WHO) drafted a National Strategy and Plan of Action for Pharmaceutical sector to advance public access to medicines and draw industries in the sector for the coming ten years.

The draft strategy targets at improving access to safe, effective and high quality medicines via high quality local production, drawing foreign direct investment in the pharmaceutical sector and creating a research and development platform.

Additionally, the strategy aims at involving companies and strengthens their operation in the sector.

Doctor Kebede Worku, State Minister of Health said the Plan will chiefly build capacities of local institutions like Food, Medicine and Healthcare Administration and Control Authority (FMHACA) and local pharmaceuticals.

The Plan also sets to strengthen the regulatory system and capacity to implement the GMP roadmap. GMP is a production and testing practice that helps to ensure a quality product.

Source: The Daily Monitor