ADDIS ABABA- The Ministry of Health called on international pharmaceutical suppliers to come and do business in Ethiopia and utilize the untapped potential in the sector.
The 3rd International Pharmaceutical Suppliers Conference 2023 held yesterday under the theme : “ Creating Connections : Building Supply Chain Bridges Together”
In her opening remarks, Health Minister Lia Taddesse (MD) said that such a conference is instrumental to domestic pharmaceutical producers to showcase their potential and display the country’s favourable business climate. “The Ethiopian government is committed to encourage the private sector and international suppliers of medical equipment to enhance health service provision and to invest here.”
Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS) Director General Abdulkadir Gelgelo (MD) on his part said that the conference is beneficial to gather top suppliers from every corner of the pharmaceutical industry and to create unique opportunities to connect one another. It is also a venue for actors in the sector to share insights, and gain valuable knowledge that will propel business opportunities.
“As citizens have been playing a critical role in Ethiopia’s development, their health condition should be protected. If this is not a reality, the country’s path to prosperity will not be realized.’
Also, it is necessary to attain well-trained and competent human resources, convenient and adequate health infrastructure and a resilient health supply chain system in the country.
According to the director general, the EPSS has covered 83 percent of the total pharmaceutical supplies in the country and consolidated efforts are underway to consolidate this large share.
Such conferences will create a good opportunity to identify international pharmaceutical supplier’s desires and challenges they have been facing to enter into Ethiopia’s market. It is also vital to create partnership among local and global actors in the sector, Abdulkadir remarked.
BY NAOL GIRMA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2023
