ADDIS ABABA — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has emphasized the Ethiopian government’s commitment to enhancing the domestic production of medical supplies and medicines. During the inauguration of the Domestic Medical Supplies Production and Innovation Exhibition at Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa, he discussed significant strides made towards reducing dependency on imported medicines.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, recent policy reforms have been instrumental in increasing the domestic production of medical supplies and medicines. From a previous capability of producing only 8 percent of its medicines locally, Ethiopia has raised this figure to 36 percent. The Prime Minister noted the dual focus on improving accessibility to domestically produced pharmaceuticals and expanding export capabilities.
The government’s push towards self-sufficiency in medicine production is deemed crucial for a country with a population over 120 million. Ethiopia now not only meets a larger portion of its medicinal needs but also exports to other countries, highlighting a significant turnaround in its healthcare sector capabilities. The Prime Minister also pointed out that the sector presents an investment opportunity with a market potential exceeding 1 billion USD, encouraging both domestic and foreign investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The exhibition, running under the theme “Our Health by Our Products,” features over 110 manufacturers and aims to showcase local capabilities and foster investment in the healthcare sector. It includes networking opportunities for investors, panel discussions, and showcases of domestic medical products and services.
PM Abiy’s address also covered broader healthcare initiatives, including the expansion of hospitals and the training of more healthcare professionals. He highlighted the upcoming Green Legacy Initiative, which will focus on planting medicinal plants, and underscored the integration of Ethiopia’s traditional medicine practices with scientific approaches. The government is also enhancing preventive healthcare through the “Clean Ethiopia” initiative, aimed at improving hygiene and cleanliness to prevent diseases.
The exhibition will continue until next Friday, inviting all stakeholders to explore and engage with Ethiopia’s burgeoning medical supplies industry.