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The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) has welcomed the interest expressed by globally renowned Indian pharmaceutical companies in establishing manufacturing plants in Zambia. This development is a significant step towards addressing drug shortages in the country on both short and long-term bases.
The Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) has welcomed the interest expressed by globally renowned Indian pharmaceutical companies in establishing manufacturing plants in Zambia. This development is a significant step towards addressing drug shortages in the country on both short and long-term bases.
A team comprising Members of Parliament from the Parliamentary Committee on Health, ZAMMSA, and the Ministry of Health recently visited India. During their visit, the team held meetings with three prominent Indian companies: Torrent Group, Pathkits, and Akums Healthcare Limited. ZAMMSA Director General Billy Mweetwa expressed satisfaction with the discussions, stating that the companies’ interest aligns with the government’s agenda of localizing production for essential medicines. In addition to addressing immediate supply concerns, this collaboration has the potential to bring jobs into the Zambian economy and broaden the revenue base, contributing to the country’s long-term resilience.
Mweetwa stated that the Indian pharma companies are willing to work with Zambia to establish a base in Zambia and beyond. This is a big thing for the Zambian government because it is aligned with the national agenda of building resilience in the supply chain through localizing the production of essential medicines. The establishment of manufacturing plants by these Indian pharmaceutical companies in Zambia has the potential to significantly address the country’s drug shortage. The presence of a dedicated health office within the High Commission in India has played a crucial role in fostering meaningful engagements with health institutions.
Zambia’s Acting High Commissioner to India, Deliwe Mumbi, highlighted the challenges faced by the mission, including the need to establish a facility in Zambia with the help of one of India’s multispecialty hospitals. Mumbi expressed gratitude for the opening of the Office of the Counsellor (Health), which has facilitated engagement with health institutions in India.
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This initiative to attract Indian pharmaceutical companies not only ensures a sustained, regular, and predictable supply of drugs but also positions Zambia as a hub for the whole Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. By establishing manufacturing industries, these companies can not only serve Zambia’s needs but also become a channel for supplying essential medicines throughout the region.
