Government remains committed to reducing importation of medical essentials through Joint Venture Partnerships.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Technical Services, Kennedy Lishimpi, says the government’s partnership with India’s Akums Drug and Pharmaceuticals Limited, will transform access to affordable, effective, and quality medicines for the country.
Dr Lishimpi was speaking in Lusaka at the Lusaka South Multi Facility Economic Zone, where Akums Pharmaceuticals Limited is earmarked to construct a state of art Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant.
He added that the plant will not only ensure a steady supply of medicines but also position Zambia as a regional pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.
The Permanent Secretary further said the plant will produce over 100 product lines, reducing the country’s dependence on imported medical essentials.
“The facility is expected to create job opportunities thereby contributing to the economic growth and development,” he added.
He also pointed out that the plant will transfer advanced technology and technical skills that will accelerate industrialisation in the country.
“By producing medicines locally, the country will conserve foreign exchange which can be channeled towards other critical sectors,” Dr Lishimpi noted.
Meanwhile, Akums President for International Business, Ashok Saroha, emphasised the company’s commitment to making Zambia self-reliant in essential medicines.
“This project goes beyond commerce, it’s about healthcare and sovereignty,” Mr Saroha said.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the plant is scheduled for September this year.
