Pharmaceutical Industry
Over the last one and a half years ecbp has been working closely with the pharmaceutical industry in Ethiopia in order to make companies more productive and increase their Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards so they are able to access larger markets. ecbp pharmaceutical expert Daniel Ayele has been directly involved with the various pharmaceutical companies in Ethiopia to link them to German experts and then follow up with the companies to ensure that the consultation and recommendations are being followed. These recommendations are part of a certification process which will give the companies access to global markets.
Daniel says that this certification process, through Pharmaceutical Inspection Cooperation Scheme (PICS), will improve the pharmaceutical industry in Ethiopia. Most importantly, this certification will ensure high quality, safe, and effective products are being produced at these factories. Secondly, with this certification, companies will be able to export their products. In addition, since there are such a large number of international organizations and agencies currently importing drugs for distribution in relief programs, the Ethiopian companies have an abundance of buyers right in the country.
Daniel reported that there are now four companies which have been rapidly modifying themselves to meet international standards and these companies will most likely receive their PICS certification by the end of the year. Over the last year and a half these companies have made huge investments in human resources, machines, construction and training – investments which are now about to pay off.
In addition to working with individual companies to assist them in the certification process, ecbp is working with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the sector as a whole to develop a strategic plan for the pharmaceutical industry. One recommendation made in the strategic plan is that the industry should work with the government to encourage local production raw materials, which are currently being imported. By having these materials produced in Ethiopia the pharmaceutical industry will not only be able to buy them at a better price, but companies will receive the necessary materials in a timelier manner. This also has the added side affect of creating additional jobs for people further down the value chain.