The Ministry of Health has reported that more than 40 percent of the medicines supplied for domestic consumption are produced domestically.

The ministry noted that Ethiopia has long relied on imports to meet much of its demand for medicines and medical supplies used in medical services. Mohamed Aman Jamal, an advisor on the supply of emergency medicines and supplies at the Ministry of Health, said that for many years the share of domestic drug manufacturers did not exceed 8 to 10 percent.

According to the ministry, 12 private pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturing factories in the country are currently supplying about 40 percent of Ethiopia’s pharmaceutical needs. The ministry also said a separate tender opportunity has been opened to enable these manufacturers to supply their products.

Mohamed Aman added that producers are being supported through measures such as market guarantees of up to seven years and tax-free incentives, aimed at improving production performance and attracting investors to the sector.

He also recalled that in previous years even basic items such as masks and alcohol-based products were imported, but local capacity has since improved and now includes the production of a wider range of medical supplies.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Health said it expects domestic production to cover more than 60 percent of the country’s medicine demand within the next five years. The ministry linked this to the expansion of medical facilities and rising demand for medicines and medical supplies, which it said could provide a reliable market for pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Source: Sheger FM 102.1