Egypt’s Minister of Health and Population, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, recently addressed the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical sector in the country, particularly in light of the recent medicine shortages. In a recent interview with Osama Kamal on “Masaa DMC”, Abdel Ghaffar revealed key insights into the state of Egypt’s pharmaceutical industry, including its annual drug market worth 300 billion Egyptian pounds and the 30-35 billion pounds the Ministry spends annually on pharmaceuticals.
Key Highlights from the Interview:
- Egypt’s Pharmaceutical Market Size: The pharmaceutical market in Egypt is a significant industry, with an annual value of around 300 billion Egyptian pounds. The Ministry of Health allocates a substantial portion of its budget to ensure the continued availability of medicines across the country.
- Private Pharmacies and Drug Distribution: Studies indicate that private pharmacies account for approximately 65-70% of the total drug distribution in Egypt. The country has a long history in pharmaceutical production, with over 130 factories and a robust infrastructure. Egypt’s pharmaceutical industry produces 91 out of every 100 drug packages sold in the country.
- Drug Production and Challenges: Dr. Abdel Ghaffar noted that Egypt produces nearly all the medicines it consumes, with the exception of certain complex treatments, such as oncology medications, which make up the remaining 9% of drug imports. He also mentioned the recent opening of an insulin factory, which meets local consumption needs and has the capacity to export to 56 countries worldwide.
Addressing the Shortage and Economic Factors
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar acknowledged the difficulties posed by the shortage of medicines in recent months, attributing it mainly to a lack of foreign currency, which hindered the importation of raw materials necessary for drug production. He emphasized that Egypt’s domestic pharmaceutical sector remains strong, with ongoing efforts to ensure the steady supply of vital medicines.
- Doctor Recommendations: In response to the shortage, the Ministry encouraged doctors to prescribe multiple alternatives in prescriptions, helping mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions.
- Rising Drug Prices: The Minister revealed that drug prices had increased between 28% and 35%, a necessary step to maintain the continuity of production. However, he reassured the public that Egyptian-made medicines remain among the most affordable and high-quality options available globally.
Positive Outlook for Egypt’s Pharmaceutical Future
Despite the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical sector in 2024, the overall outlook remains positive. The country has a well-established pharmaceutical infrastructure and is taking strategic steps to boost local production and improve accessibility to essential medicines.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar concluded by stressing that no country in the world is immune to medicine shortages, and the recent issues were primarily due to global economic challenges. However, with Egypt’s ongoing efforts in enhancing production capabilities, the pharmaceutical sector is expected to become more resilient in the years ahead.
Egypt’s Health Minister Discusses New Medical Cities and Human Development Initiatives
Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health, announced the establishment of 24 new medical cities across Egypt, highlighting that his appointment to oversee human development within the government came as a surprise. In an interview on the Masaa DMC program with host Osama Kamal, Dr. Abdel Ghaffar explained that his approach is always driven by thorough study and continuous reading to meet his targets. He emphasized that significant responsibility and trust place a heavy burden on officials, and expressed his hope to live up to the expectations of both the Egyptian people and the political leadership.
He pointed out that World Bank indicators reveal that stunting rates in Egypt range from 18% to 22%, which he described as a critical issue linked to malnutrition. Despite this challenge, he noted positive outcomes in several areas of human development.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar also discussed Egypt’s concerning infant mortality rates, particularly for children under 28 days, as well as the high rate of cesarean deliveries compared to other countries. On a positive note, he shared that life expectancy in Egypt has risen to 72 years for both men and women. Additionally, he spoke about the launch of the “Bidaya” initiative, which has received widespread societal support and praise from state institutions. Over 280 million services were provided during the first 100 days of the initiative, and efforts are underway to extend it for another 100 days, following its positive reception from citizens.
Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar sheds light on the complexities of the pharmaceutical sector in Egypt, including the challenges faced by the country in recent months and the efforts to boost domestic production. While medicine shortages were felt in 2024, Egypt’s focus on local production and ongoing investments in pharmaceutical infrastructure signal a positive trajectory for the industry. As the country continues to navigate economic challenges, Egypt’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable medicines remains at the forefront of the healthcare sector.
