Egypt hosts 170 pharmaceutical factories, 11 with international accreditation: EDA
Speaking at the 8th Pharma Forum—one of the Arab world's most prominent pharmaceutical events—El-Ghamrawy emphasized that public health challenges today are increasingly complex, interconnected, and demand a multi-sectoral 'One Health' approach. The forum was held under this theme and sponsored by the EDA and the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement.
'These challenges extend beyond traditional medicine and include antimicrobial resistance, food safety, medicine supply sustainability, and ecosystem protection,' El-Ghamrawy said. 'They require integrated solutions and collective national and international action.'
He highlighted that Egypt has made significant strides in strengthening its pharmaceutical industry, achieving a domestic self-sufficiency rate of 91.3%. The country now operates 2,370 production lines—986 of which are dedicated to pharmaceutical manufacturing. These capabilities, he noted, are central to Egypt's efforts to secure stable medicine supplies and enhance its resilience against global supply disruptions.
El-Ghamrawy stressed that the EDA has launched ambitious initiatives to localize pharmaceutical production, both through domestic innovation and international partnerships aimed at technology transfer. So far, Egypt has successfully localized 129 pharmaceutical products that previously cost the country $633.7m in annual imports.
He added that the EDA is targeting the local production of around 400 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), spanning 30 therapeutic categories, which currently account for approximately $1.57bn in import costs.
In support of these efforts, El-Ghamrawy announced that the Authority is preparing a new package of investment incentives designed to support national pharmaceutical manufacturers and create a regulatory environment that promotes innovation and industry leadership.
'This year's conference focuses on a key national priority—localizing the pharmaceutical industry—part of Egypt's strategic vision for regional and global leadership,' he said.
He also underscored Egypt's recent achievement of reaching WHO's 'Maturity Level 3' in the regulation of medicines and vaccines—the first African country to attain this status, and one of only 18 countries globally to do so.
'This reflects the strength and stability of Egypt's pharmaceutical regulatory system and positions the Egyptian Drug Authority as a trusted reference body both regionally and internationally,' El-Ghamrawy added.
He also praised the critical role of Egyptian researchers and scientists in bridging the gap between research and industrial application—from discovering active compounds to developing advanced manufacturing processes. Their work, he said, is essential for enhancing supply chains, reducing dependency on imports, and reinforcing national pharmaceutical security.
Citing global pharmaceutical R&D trends, El-Ghamrawy referenced recent data showing that the United States leads with 11,455 pharmaceutical products developed from discovery to production, followed by China with 7,032, and South Korea with 3,386. He concluded by affirming Egypt's readiness to follow in the footsteps of these global leaders, leveraging its scientific expertise and growing manufacturing base to expand its global footprint in the pharmaceutical sector.
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Al-Ahram Weekly
8 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Medicine for all - Features - Al-Ahram Weekly
Sharing surplus medications with patients in need is a step forward in addressing the challenges of drug shortages and soaring prices. The idea began with a simple humanitarian act when someone approached Waleed Shawky, then a pharmacist, carrying a bag of medicines he no longer needed after his recovery and asked that they could be offered to someone in need. Soon afterwards, another patient entered the pharmacy with a prescription and inquired about the cost of the medications. The total exceeded what the patient could afford, prompting him to leave without buying his medicine. At that moment, Shawky recalled the donated bag, reviewed its contents, and discovered that five of the seven prescribed medications were in it. He immediately provided them to the patient free of charge, leaving only two medicines to be purchased. In this way, the donated medicines reached someone in genuine need, significantly reducing the cost of treatment. From this modest incident, the idea of establishing the Al-Dawaa Lil-Gamei (Medicine for All Foundation) was born, inspired by the belief that 'the medicine you may no longer need could benefit someone else.' As such acts of kindness became more frequent, Shawky recognised the need to transform these individual efforts into an organised foundation. He applied for its registration and obtained an official licence from the Ministry of Social Solidarity, said Yousra Elmonshed, executive secretary of the Medicine for All Foundation. 'Although the foundation began its work in 2013, its role has grown increasingly vital in helping to address the shortages of medicines and medical supplies that have affected the Egyptian market. This comes in addition to the rising prices of imported medications, driven by the widening gap between the US dollar and the Egyptian pound,' Elmonshed said. The emergence of medicine shortages coincided with an announcement by Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli, published on the cabinet website last September, stating that the government had succeeded in resolving the shortages of approximately 470 pharmaceutical products out of 580 that had previously been in short supply. He also pointed to the production of more than 133 million packages of over 360 types of medicines and pharmaceutical products since last August to meet market needs and stated that Egypt produces 91 per cent of its pharmaceutical requirements domestically, in addition to pursuing plans to support exports, which have exceeded $1 billion. However, alongside these government efforts, there remains an ongoing need for greater community participation to help provide medications for patients who cannot afford the cost of drugs. According to Elmonshed, the foundation took its first steps from its branch in the Nasr City area of Cairo. Over time, it became known through word-of-mouth among local residents and neighbouring charitable associations without any organised advertising campaigns. More people began sending unused medications to its pharmacy. 'As the number of donors increased, a small group of volunteers assumed the responsibility of sorting the medicines and verifying their validity before dispensing them to patients. Gradually, the number of beneficiaries also grew, which led to the expansion of the team,' she said. 'At the beginning, the work was limited to a small number of volunteers, including medical doctors and pharmacists, due to the importance of having both medical and administrative supervision of the sorting and dispensing of medications. Over time, the initiative transformed from simple individual efforts into a more structured framework, and the foundation began hiring permanent staff.' 'With the expansion of its operations, the foundation grew to include branches in other governorates across the country, including Mansoura, Alexandria, Beni Sweif, Qanater, and others. Today, the Cairo branch alone has more than 45 employees who oversee all stages of work, from receiving and sorting the medications to dispensing them to patients,' she said. SUPPORT: According to Elmonshed, the foundation's data indicates that it provides monthly support to nearly 6,500 patients, offering them medicines that meet their needs for the treatment of chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, endocrine disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and rheumatism. The support is not limited to medications for chronic illnesses but also extends to providing high-cost treatments, including cancer medications. 'There are patients who require medications where the cost of a single package can reach LE80,000, such as some drugs used as alternatives to chemotherapy in tablet form. In such cases, the foundation collaborates with the pharmaceutical companies through each company's scientific office, whereby the company covers part of the cost, the foundation covers another portion through donations, and the patient contributes a share. Through this model, many patients are able to receive regular monthly treatment at a cost significantly lower than the actual market price,' Elmonshed said. 'But despite these efforts, there is still a waiting list of cases in need of medications that are either unavailable or very expensive. The foundation works to collect donations to purchase and provide these medicines for them.' The foundation has three main departments, the Medication Collection and Transport Department, the Patient Support Department, and the Pharmacy Department. 'The first is responsible for receiving medications from donors and organising the collection process,' Elmonshed explained. 'Individuals who wish to donate surplus medications can submit a request in advance either by calling the foundation's hotline at 15963 or by reaching out through its social media platforms. Once the request is received, a representative visits the donor's home to collect the medications in a safe manner. There is no minimum quantity required because even a single blister pack can make a real difference for a patient who cannot afford to buy the medicine they need.' 'There is a second method for collecting medications, which involves donation boxes in pharmacies, clubs, and major shopping malls, such as Citystars in Nasr City. These boxes are securely designed to ensure the safety of the donated medicines and to prevent any attempts at tampering. When donors place their surplus medications in the boxes, the foundation's representatives collect them. Donors can also deliver their medications directly to the foundation's main branch or any of its other branches.' 'With regard to medications that require special storage conditions, such as refrigerated drugs, we adhere to strict safety standards and coordinate with donors in advance to ensure that the medicines have been properly stored in a refrigerator,' Elmonshed said. 'A representative of the foundation visits the donor carrying a specialised medical cooler to maintain the quality of the medication during transport, especially in the case of insulin and other medicines that require low temperatures.' 'Afterwards, the Pharmacy Department takes over, as it is responsible for managing the medicine stock in the foundation. Donated medications go through several meticulous stages before reaching patients, starting with the sorting phase handled by the pharmacy team. This carefully inspects each individual package to verify its integrity. In the case of tablet medications in blister strips, only sealed strips with remaining tablets are accepted. Liquid medicines such as syrups, drops, opened ointments, and opened tablet containers are not accepted to ensure patient safety.' 'Once the donated medicines are received, their validity is confirmed, and any expired items are discarded. If the tablets come from a partially used blister pack, the remaining sealed tablets are carefully cut out in a way that preserves the visible expiration date. Tablets of the same medication and dosage are then grouped together to form a complete package. After the medicines are prepared, the available items and shortages are recorded in the foundation's electronic system. It works on purchasing missing medicines using the financial donations it receives to ensure a continuous supply for patients.' Elmonshed explained that the Patient Support Department manages both the administrative and medical aspects of each case. The process begins by opening a medical file that records the patient's health condition, social background, and medication history. Patients must submit required documents, including a national ID card, a recent medical report, an updated prescription, and an official statement from the Social Insurance Authority confirming insurance and employment status. For children, a birth certificate is also needed. 'The foundation only allows first-degree relatives to apply on behalf of patients who are unable to attend in person, such as children applying for their parents or vice versa, as well as spouses,' Elmonshed said. 'Once the documents are complete, the foundation's medical committee composed of physicians and pharmacists conducts a comprehensive evaluation. This includes reviewing the medical condition through lab tests, radiology results, and prescribed treatments, along with assessing the social and financial situation of the patient. Factors such as pensions or a lack of insurance are considered to determine the appropriate type of support, whether full exemption, partial assistance, or no support, ensuring that help reaches those who are financially unable to afford their medications,' she added. 'The medical committee holds its meetings weekly at scheduled times, and usually the patient receives an immediate response following the evaluation. In cases where support is approved, the medications are dispensed on the same day, and all the patient's data is entered into the foundation's electronic system, which records the details of the medical file, medication dispensing history, and any future updates related to the case.' 'Afterwards, patients receiving regular monthly treatment contact the foundation by phone to schedule an appointment to collect their medications. The team prepares the medications in the required doses according to the approved prescription for each case. In addition to dispensing monthly medications, the foundation also responds to urgent medical needs, such as providing relatively costly cold medications or antibiotics. If a financially vulnerable patient applies for such medicines, the foundation provides them as well.' ACTIONS: In some cases, the foundation's role goes beyond providing monthly support or emergency medications to patients and also extends to responding to medicine shortages in the market. According to Elmonshed, the foundation offers this service to all, whether they are permanent beneficiaries of its support or individuals who are financially able but facing difficulties in finding unavailable medicines at pharmacies. 'In such cases, patients or their families can contact the foundation to inquire about the availability of a required medication. If the medicine is available in quantities exceeding the needs of the foundation's supported patients, it is provided to the requester in exchange for a voluntary donation without setting a fixed amount, with the proceeds directed to help patients who are financially vulnerable,' she said. 'The effectiveness of this service has become especially evident in the light of the significant increase in medicine prices in recent times, which has not only doubled the suffering of patients but also impacted the volume of donations. Some people have started holding on to their surplus medications out of fear they might need them later amidst shortages of certain medicines, which has made it more challenging to provide medications to those in need,' Elmonshed explained. 'The foundation deals with patients from various backgrounds, but the elderly often represent the category most in need of medications, particularly pensioners whose limited incomes can no longer keep pace with the rising cost of medicines, especially in cases of chronic illnesses or long-term treatments. Among the groups that most frequently turn to the foundation are kidney patients and children with muscular atrophy, whose conditions require expensive medications their families cannot afford.' 'In addition to providing medications, we also offer medical supplies free of charge, as they may pose an additional financial burden on patients. The medical aids we provide include wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, back braces, and oxygen devices, whether cylinders or concentrators, among others,' she added. Beyond medical supplies, the foundation has played an active role in delivering various healthcare services, as Waleed Shawky, chairman of the foundation, explained. 'Our work has not been limited to medications and supplies alone, as we have also launched several initiatives aimed at directly supporting patients. One such is the 'Al-Aziz Coupon', which is based on a simple concept of solidarity, allowing anyone to offer their neighbour or someone in need a coupon valid for purchasing medicine from a pharmacy, without making them feel they are in need. It is a model we are currently working on developing,' Shawky said. 'One of the important initiatives is 'Sponsor a Sick Child', a dedicated fund aimed at providing high-cost medications for children with muscular atrophy, especially since the medicines we receive in syrup form are often unsuitable for use. Therefore, it was essential to allocate a separate budget for purchasing them.' 'We also participate in field campaigns such as 'Door-to-Door', which aims at raising awareness about the Foundation and reaching the most vulnerable cases. Through these campaigns, we gather data on the cases and verify their medical and social conditions to provide them with the appropriate medication.' 'The role of the foundation became particularly prominent during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the country faced a severe shortage of medicines and medical supplies. The foundation was among the first entities to provide support. We supplied oxygen concentrators for home use by Covid-19 patients, in addition to providing masks, gloves, sanitisers, and protective clothing for medical teams,' Shawky said. 'Due to the acute shortage of these supplies at the time, we undertook their manufacture and distributed them free of charge to government hospitals. Around the clock, we worked to secure the needs of patients, including medicines, oxygen cylinders, and everything required for home treatment.' 'Our collaborations with universities and syndicates helped us greatly. We partnered with the faculties of medicine and pharmacy at both public and private universities to train students on handling medications, classifying them, and preparing prescriptions. We also organised medical convoys in partnership with these institutions and placed medicine collection boxes on university campuses to promote the culture of donation among young people.' 'Through our activities in universities and on various platforms, we have been able to recruit a large number of volunteers who have played a major role in raising awareness about the foundation. With their help, we have conducted awareness lectures in clubs, companies, and public places on the safe use of medications and proper storage methods at home, with the aim of reducing waste and misuse.' 'The volunteers have also played a vital role within the foundation, particularly during the summer months. We rely on them to collect and deliver medications to patients. Each volunteer works within their own geographical area, which helps reduce the logistical burden on us,' he said. 'We started with a team of no more than two people, and today we work with 95 employees spread across the foundation's various branches. This expansion would not have been possible without the support and trust of the people. We still dream of expanding to every governorate and hope that the state will support us in scaling up this system nationwide.' * A version of this article appears in print in the 24 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Mada
2 days ago
- Mada
Source: Al-Azhar grand imam withdrew call to save Gaza at foreign minister's request
Al-Azhar withdrew a Tuesday night statement in which it had called on 'active and influential forces' to stop Israel's genocidal war and mass starvation of Palestinians in Gaza. The following afternoon, it justified the withdrawal in a new statement from its media office in which it said it 'realized' the statement 'could affect the ongoing negotiations.' According to Al-Azhar, the decision to withdraw, which it called brave and responsible, came so the statement 'would not be used as an excuse to retreat from the negotiations or to bargain in them.' A source close to Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed al-Tayeb told Mada Masr on condition of anonymity that Tayeb withdrew the statement after Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty urged him to do so, saying it may obstruct negotiations that are close to reaching a solution that would allow humanitarian aid to enter the besieged Gaza Strip. Palestinians in Gaza have been under an almost total siege since March. The recalled statement came amid increasing global calls to end the war and stop Israel's mass starvation of Palestinians, as the number of people dying from starvation and malnutrition rises. Ten people died from malnutrition-related causes in the last 24 hours, according to Gaza Health Ministry spokesperson Muneer al-Barsh. Tuesday's statement called on 'active and influential forces to do their utmost' to compel Israel to halt its systematic killing of Palestinians, 'immediately allow the entry of humanitarian and relief aid, and open all avenues for treating the sick and injured whose health conditions have deteriorated as a result of the Occupation's targeting of hospitals and medical facilities, in flagrant violation of all divine laws and international conventions.' It was removed from its pages hours later without comment until the following afternoon. The source explained that Tayeb made the decision to remove the statement in case doing so could expedite the entry of 'one bag of flour' to the people of Gaza in light of Abdel Atty's warnings that the ongoing negotiations would be 'ruined' by its publication, which came on behalf of the Egyptian and Qatari mediator according to the source. Last week, Doha was still hosting the first phase of a new round of negotiations that aims to reach an 'agreement of principles' that would serve as a basis for indirect ceasefire talks. At the same time, the United States, Qatar and Egypt presented both Palestinian factions and Israelis with an updated proposal for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. But negotiations have stalled over Hamas's demands for a guarantee that Israel will not resume its war, and over the extent to which the Israeli military will withdraw from areas its forces are occupying in the Gaza Strip. Even amid talks toward a negotiated ceasefire, Israel has established newly fortified areas while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared plans to concentrate most of the Palestinians in Gaza to a confined area, which he dubbed a 'humanitarian city,' near the border with Egypt and resume the war once the truce supported by the US and the mediators ends. The deleted statement said that 'thousands of children and innocent people are being killed in cold blood, while the ones who survive are facing death from hunger, thirst, dehydration, the depletion of medicine and the failure of medical centers to save them from certain death.' It also declared Al-Azhar's 'disavowal before God of this suspicious global silence, the shameful international failure to support these defenseless people, and of any call to displace the people of Gaza from their land, and anyone who accepts or responds to these calls.' The statement, covered widely by domestic press before its withdrawal, which led to some coverage being taken down, was not the first from Tayeb concerning the genocidal war on Gaza. Since October 7, he has expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza, rejection of their displacement, criticism of the Israeli occupation and support for the Palestinian resistance on multiple occasions. This rhetoric does not always align with the official government discourse. Abdel Atty had contacted Tayeb on a previous occasion to change the wording of one of these statements, in parallel with a similar request which came at the time from a 'sovereign body,' according to the source. Al-Azhar's deleted statement comes as humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip deteriorate, amid an increase in the number of deaths from hunger and malnutrition as a result of Israel's starvation policies. Israel has been preventing the entry of humanitarian aid for months, blocking the regular aid entry and distribution mechanisms, while Israeli forces open fire on a daily basis at the people who approach the aid distribution centers designated by Israel. Thirty Western countries called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza on Monday, saying that the suffering of Palestinians has 'reached new depths.' The joint statement condemned 'the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food,' noting that 'over 800 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid.' The group also condemned Netanyahu's plans to displace the population to a 'humanitarian city' as a violation of international humanitarian law. For its part, Hamas pointed yesterday to 'the extent of blackmail practiced by the Occupation through its committing of massacres in a desperate attempt to extract positions it has been unable to impose at the negotiating table.'
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
INTERVIEW: Nothing in medicine as cost effective as vaccination - Professor Jaime Fergie - Health - Life & Style
In an interview with Ahram Online, Professor Jaime Fergie, Director of Paediatric Infectious Diseases at Driscoll Children's Hospital, USA, expressed his concern about the rebound of several infectious diseases. Speaking to Ahram Online during his visit to Cairo, Professor Fergie pointed out that many people around the world are vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections as they did not receive their routine vaccinations during the pandemic. AhramOnline (AO): What is the purpose of your visit to Egypt, and what are the main themes you'll be discussing with Egyptian paediatricians? Jaime Fergie: I'm here to speak with colleagues about the importance of using the newer pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) to protect children from both invasive and mucosal pneumococcal infections. The US introduced the first conjugate PCV in 2000, starting with a vaccine that covered seven strains. We've since progressed to broader vaccines covering 13, and now 20 of the most relevant pneumococcal types. The aim is to expand protection for both children and adults. AO: Do PCV types vary between high-income and low-to middle-income countries? JF: There are slight regional differences, but overall, the top 20 types included in the newer vaccines cover the most important strains globally. AO: How has paediatric infectious disease evolved, especially post-pandemic? JF: During the pandemic, infections like RSV, flu, and pneumococcus dropped due to social distancing. Post-pandemic, we've seen a sharp rebound. A major concern is the number of children who have missed routine vaccinations, leaving them vulnerable. We're still working to catch up. AO: What are the main challenges in diagnosing infectious diseases in children compared to adults? JF: Young children often can't describe symptoms, so we rely on caregivers. Early symptoms—such as fever, fatigue, and poor appetite—can appear similar across various infections. Differentiating between viruses and bacterial infections can be tricky. Additionally, children's conditions can deteriorate rapidly, making early intervention and prevention through vaccination crucial. Vaccination remains the most cost-effective tool in paediatrics. AO: Why is it important to vaccinate children with cancer? JF: Ideally, children should be vaccinated before any cancer diagnosis. But even during early treatment stages, vaccination remains vital. Cancer weakens the immune system, making infections more dangerous. Pneumococcal infections, in particular, can lead to severe outcomes such as meningitis and pneumonia. Therefore, protection is critical. AO: What other high-risk groups face threats from infectious diseases? JF: Children with HIV, sickle cell disease, immune deficiencies, or no spleen are at high risk. Similarly, those with cochlear implants, kidney disease, or asthma. These children are more vulnerable to severe infections. The best approach is to include vaccines like the PCV in national immunisation programmes. I've seen firsthand how vaccination has reduced the incidence of serious diseases such as meningitis and pneumonia in the US. AO: What is the best paediatric immunisation strategy for low-and middle-income countries? JF: The WHO recommends key vaccines for all national programmes, including those for rotavirus, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and measles. Pneumococcal vaccines are also essential. Recently, vaccines for RSV have been introduced, given to pregnant women to protect newborns. While some vaccines, such as meningococcal, are less common globally, they're vital in specific settings, such as during pilgrimage travel. Immunisation should ideally start at two months of age. Financial barriers can be addressed by working with the WHO and organisations like Gavi, which help low-income countries access vaccines. AO: What would you say to people still sceptical about vaccines? JF: It's frustrating, considering how far we've come in preventing disease. Vaccines go through rigorous testing before being approved. While mild side effects like fever or soreness are possible, vaccines prevent illnesses we no longer see thanks to immunisation. The evidence for safety and effectiveness is overwhelming. AO: Finally, what's your message to parents, paediatricians, and policymakers? JF: To parents: Vaccines are safe, effective, and life-saving. I vaccinated my children and want the same protection for all. To paediatricians: Use the best tools available—the latest vaccines offer broader protection. To policymakers: You hold the power to improve children's health. Prioritising vaccination saves lives and is one of the wisest investments a country can make. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
