IMPORTING 90 per cent of what is needed in the health sector means the country is supporting others, sending away businesses and driving away jobs in the supply chain for the locals, President Hakainde Hichilema says.
The President said in an opening speech at the Zambia – European Union (EU) pharmaceutical manufacturing forum at Mulungushi International Conference Centre – Kenneth Kaunda wing in Lusaka yesterday.
The three day forum is running the theme of strengthening healthcare through local manufacturing.
President Hichilema called on local dtakeholders to come up with a resolve that will enhance the local manufacturing of drugs.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the growth of the pharmaceutical sector.
He said measures, like framework local contracts, have been put in place to attract and protect local pharmaceutical manufacturers.
“Through this, there is assurance and predictability of business between government and suppliers,” President Hichilema said.
The head of State added that there will be “positive discrimination” towards the purchase of medicine and supply from local manufacturers, and empahsised on them delivering on time and providing the best quality medicine.
EU Ambassador to Zambia and COMESA Jacek Jankowski said having a national pharmaceutical manufacturing industry will not only address the shortage of medical supplies but be a powerful enabler for research, improving skills and answering medical emergencies.
“Such an industry will have long lasting highly beneficial consequences on both the Zambian citizens and the economy,” said Jankowski.
World Health Organisation (WHO) country representative Dr Nathan Bakyaita said integrating local production of medicine into the overall health system strengthening, will provide sustainable access to pharmacy and health technicians and minimise health hazards.
Dr Bakyaita said the WHO is supporting the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA), the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to revise the national drug policy in order to promote local drug manufacturing.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo said the government is committed to enhancing drug availability.
She said such could be seen in the increase of the national health budget from about K1 billion to K4.6 billion.
Meanwhile, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga said there is no Value Added Tax (VAT) on the importation of raw materials.
Kalemba March 2, 2023
Advert
https://cj.bahisklavuz20.com/fappening-sissy-exposure-of-melanie-2022/ – HD 136 0% Fappening Sissy Exposure Of Melanie – 2022