Dr. Gamal El-Leithi, head of the Pharmaceutical Industry Chamber at the Egyptian Federation of Industries, confirmed that Egypt’s pharmaceutical industry is witnessing remarkable development with direct state support. He pointed out that Egypt currently produces 91.5% of its pharmaceutical needs locally, while an expanded plan is underway to raise the self-sufficiency rate to 95% by 2030.

During an interview on the “Masaa DMC” program aired on the “DMC” channel on Wednesday evening, he added that Egypt is capable of producing all types of pharmaceutical drugs and is already self-sufficient in medicines for chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, as well as psychiatric and neurological drugs, which is an important achievement reflecting the strength of the national industry.

Regarding the industry’s development, he noted that Egypt’s pharmaceutical industry began in 1939, adding that the country’s large population growth is evidence of the efficiency and quality of local medicines.

He confirmed that the lack of local production of raw materials is not unique to Egypt but is a common global issue, and Egypt has already taken serious steps towards localizing the supporting industries for pharmaceuticals.

El-Leithi pointed out that the World Health Organization has duly recognized the Egyptian Drug Authority and confirmed the quality of locally manufactured medicines, enhancing international confidence in Egyptian products.

He explained that Egypt leads African countries in the production of medicines, biological products, sera, and vaccines, citing Egypt’s success in eradicating the hepatitis C virus through a medicine entirely manufactured locally.

Regarding regulation, El-Leithi revealed that a drug tracking system will be implemented in the coming months, considering it a “iron fist” against drug counterfeiting.

The chamber head emphasized that medicine is a commodity that cannot be stored due to its limited shelf life and cannot be reduced in production for marketing purposes.

He explained that the drug crisis in 2023 was related to foreign currency prices but is now under control. He added, “We have a strategic stock of locally produced medicines sufficient for 7 months.”

Concerning exports, El-Leithi noted that the current export figures do not reflect the depth of the Egyptian industry or accumulated expertise, pointing out obstacles related to pricing mechanisms, where some countries require local pricing of medicines, which hinders exports if prices are not internationally realistic.

He announced the state’s intention to apply a dual pricing system: one locally subsidized for Egyptian citizens, and another for exports suitable for global markets.

In conclusion, Dr. Gamal El-Leithi reassured Egyptians about the pharmaceutical sector’s status, confirming that most challenges faced in 2023 have been overcome and that the industry is steadily progressing towards self-sufficiency and expansion in foreign markets.