Ethiopia seeks greater pharmaceutical, medical supplies self-reliance
Addis Ababa, October 10, 2022 (FBC) – The State Minister of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Dereje Duguma announced that activities are underway to meet 60pct of nation’s pharmaceutical, medical supplies demand with local products.
The statement by the State Minister was delivered while he was addressing the 19th Annual Summit of the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical and Medical Supplies Manufacturing Industries Sectoral Association.
In his opening speech at the summit, Dr. Dereje said that the health sector has registered promising results in areas including supply of quality and authenticated medicines and medical supplies.
Saying that Ethiopia is currently importing more than 80 per cent of its pharmaceutical and medical consumables from various countries, the Dr. Dereje said the nation is working hard to cut its drug imports by more than 60pct in a the coming years.
Following incentives introduced by the government, currently, there are 18 pharmaceutical companies in Ethiopia that are engaged in production of drugs and medical supplies, the State Minister said.