Donors Offer US$4 million for New Drug Factories
By Our reporter
KAMPALA – Ministry of Health Dr Ruth Achieng has urged investors to take advantage of the conducive investment environment to set up drug factories. Uganda imports approximately 90 percent of its essential medicines and health supplies mostly from Europe and Asia.
“Government is committed to the development of the pharmaceutical sector. There is land for those who are willing to go into manufacturing, set up industries other than just importing,” she said.
“The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) has a grant of US$1 million for any one setting up a drug factory in Africa. Global Fund is ready to buy up to US$3 million test kits from a firm that builds a factory in Africa. This follows the recent Covid-19 pandemic that saw Africa receive the Covid-19 vaccine last. Time to develop medicine in Africa is now,” she said.
Speaking at the opening of the 3rd edition of Uganda Pharma Healthcare International Exhibition at the UMA Show Grounds Lugogo February 22nd 2024, Achieng said the World Health Organization (WHO) is putting emphasis on manufacture of medicines in Africa.
Achieng also revealed that the National Drug Authority Act is being amended to boost the health sector.
The three days pharma, medical, healthcare, surgical, laboratory and dental international exhibition organized by the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda, has attracted medical professionals, pharmacies, hospitals, health organizations, importers & exporters, and medical practitioners from several countries.
Over 120 firms and organizations are exhibiting at the event.
India High Commissioner to Uganda Singh Rawat commended Uganda as a good trading partner.
“Many Uganda health workers have been trained in India and we are now exploring ventures of setting up drug factories in Uganda,” he said.
Dr. Pamela Achii, Executive Director, Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda said the exhibition has offered room for exchange of knowledge.
