Libya’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Ramadan Abu Janah, announced plans to form technical, financial, and legal task forces to support and encourage private sector involvement in the pharmaceutical industry.
This announcement was made during the opening of the first Libyan International Pharmacy Conference, organised by the Ministry of Health under the theme “Economies and Challenges of the Pharmaceutical Industry”. The event is being held on the 6th and 7th of July in Tripoli.
Abu Janah stated that these task forces will work on updating pharmaceutical policies and related legislation to align with advancements in the field. The goal is to localise pharmaceutical production by fostering collaboration between the health sector, trade, industry, economy sectors, and the Quality Centre, which are seen as essential partners in this initiative.
According to a statement posted on the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page, the planned task forces will also focus on defining procedural packages and guidelines to facilitate the establishment of pharmaceutical industries.
Additionally, they will emphasise the role of healthcare institutions, including hospitals and specialised centres, in promoting the concept of drug economics and rational use through effective protocols and tracking the movement of pharmaceutical products.
These efforts aim to strengthen Libya’s pharmaceutical sector and ensure the availability of high-quality, affordable medications for citizens.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health seeks to enhance cooperation between the public and private sectors in this field and achieve self-sufficiency in pharmaceuticals.
The conference marks a significant step towards the government’s goals of improving the healthcare system and supporting local industries. It provides a platform for exchanging ideas and expertise among various stakeholders in Libya’s health and pharmaceutical sectors.
Notably,17 Egyptian companies specialising in pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, medical devices, and ambulance equipment participated in a roundtable on the sidelines of the 16th Healthcare Forum and Exhibition in Tripoli, Libya, from 24 to 27 June 2024. The event aimed to boost Egyptian exports in the medical industry to the Libyan market and explore avenues for mutual cooperation.
According to Egypt’s “Youm 7” newspaper, 90% of these Egyptian companies secured export contracts with Libyan agents and distributors, reported Al-Youm Al-Sabea newspaper.
The Egyptian Export Council for Medical Industries and Pharmaceuticals stated that the medical and pharmaceutical industries sector’s exports reached $611 million last year. Additionally, the sector achieved $214.5 million in exports during the first four months of 2024.
