KAMPALA– The Minister of Health Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng has called upon business men and Manufacturers with in the country to focus on investing more in manufacturing of Medicine and Pharmaceutical products.
Minister Hon Jane Ruth Aceng being welcomed at the official opening of the Health and Medical care Expo at Lugogo on Thursday.
While officiating the grand opening of the Uganda Pharma, Medical and Healthcare expo at UMA Trade Show grounds , Lugogo, Aceng noted that the government of Uganda has put in place several incentives and policies which manufacturers have to embrace.
“Many of you are aware of the public private partnership in health sector.We give support to manufacturers who are committed i.e. there is ready land (in all industrial parks country wide) for those willing to manufacturer Pharmaceuticals in the country.”
She also added that currently community currently GAVI, World Health Organization (WHO) the African Union are all focusing on local manufacturing in Africa which provides an already made market for the products once are made available.
“To that effect , GAVI has put forward one million United States Dollars to any plant willing to manufacture vaccines in Africa, Global fund 3 millions test kits in Africa. During Covid19 period, many commodities couldn’t reach Africa regardless of whether you had money or not ,but other countries had to first concentrate on serving their people .” she added
The Minister further added that they are in the process of amending the National Drug Authority law to make it easier for all products manufactured locally to be easily registered.
The Minister (middle) with some of the key stakeholders of this year’s Expo.
Mr. Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda , the Executive Director UMA , congratulated the Minister and the whole government of Uganda for having worked tirelessly to ensure availability of medical supplies during the Covid19 period which saved the lives of many people in the country.
“Government liberalized the economy and allowed private players to support it in Health sector , which is a very sensitive field. Its not common in many other countries to have private players in the health sector.”
Rubanda also pledged on behalf of all Manufacturers to continue working with government especially Ministry of Health in setting up such exhibitions in all other parts of the country since health challenges are not only in Kampala.
“We are building a model which we can base on how to effectively invest in this sensitive sector.” He added
Pamela Achali , the President of Pharmaceutical society of Uganda, noted that this is the third Exhibition of the kind in the country which has attracted over nine foreign exhibitors and over 50 Local Pharmaceutical manufacturers.
“We are exhibiting the potential by external manufacturers have in developing this sector in Uganda. We want to share knowledge and technology to drive this sector forward in Uganda.” Achali remarked
She also added that 20 percent of the Pharmaceutical manufacturing budget is spent on importing products which makes the whole process so expensive.
The 3-day exhibition which is running from Thursday 22nd February, 2024 to 24th February 2024 at UMA Trade Fair grounds Lugogo, is aimed at promoting innovations & investments in the pharmaceutical sector.
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