PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says the country needs more local Pharmaceutical manufacturing companies to make life easier for ordinary Zambians.
Commissioning the Yash Life Sciences multi million dollar pharmaceutical manufacturing ring plant in Kafue District yesterday, President Hichilema commended the Yash Life Sciences for taking up the initiative of installing a medicine center just at a time when the country was recovering from lack of medicines.
In a speech read on his behalf by Health Minister Elijah Muchima, the President stated that the newly installed plant shall help address the shortage of drugs in the country.
The Head of State added that his government remains committed to strengthening health care systems in the country through companies like Yash.
“We are encouraging [you] to have many manufacturing companies to make life easier. It doesn’t matter where you are, we need universal health care for everyone, it should not be a rhetoric but a reality.”
“To you colleagues, if you see anybody not promoting the vision of the president, take a photograph, circulate it on social media. A nurse who is answering a phone call when there’s a patient, take a photograph, circulate it on social media,” said President Hichilema.
He further said Zambia was on a good trajectory to becoming a better country with the UPND in power.
The President said, since the UPND administration took office, all corners of Zambia have had a fair share of medicine.
Meanwhile, in his capacity as Health Minister Elijah Muchima directed the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) to put Zambian manufacturers first when procuring essential drugs before going international.
“Give advantage to local manufacturers, this is an instruction. When there’s a bid, first priority should be local manufacturers. Produce what is yours. Zambia is where it is supposed to be,” ordered Muchima.
And Yash Life Sciences Director Himanshu Patel noted how significant the plant was in ensuring that the country has domestic drugs in store at any time.
Himanshu added that the newly installed plant will produce quality drugs for Zambians and the Southern African region at large.
“Our vision is to be recognized as an international pharmaceutical company of repute by leveraging on our core capabilities through the development and introduction of a wide portfolio of essential medicines.”
“Manufacturing essential medicines locally is not only key to health security of our people, but also has huge potential to the sustained socio-economic growth of our country,” he said.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, November 14, 2024
