Uganda Courts Indian Pharma Firms to Establish Local Manufacturing Plants

The Ugandan government is actively seeking to attract Indian pharmaceutical companies to establish manufacturing facilities within the country. Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Tanna Sanjay, made a direct appeal at the recent MEDTECH Uganda and Uganda PHARM Expo in Kampala, encouraging Indian investors to transition from merely exporting medicines to setting up local production.

Minister Sanjay emphasized Uganda’s readiness for business and highlighted the significant investment opportunities available. He expressed a desire for Indian investors, who are prominent in pharmaceutical trade, to consider local manufacturing as a primary focus. The minister also addressed the issue of high medicine prices, urging Indian pharmaceutical firms to offer more reasonable pricing for their high-quality products, which he noted are often significantly cheaper in India than in Uganda.

This call aligns with concerns raised by Dr. Stephen Lutoti of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda, who stated that Uganda imports nearly 90 percent of its medicines. He stressed the critical need to bolster domestic manufacturing capabilities and leverage events like the expo to attract investors for local production. Furthermore, Dr. Lutoti pointed out the challenge of medicine management in public health facilities due to a shortage of pharmacists, despite a substantial number of registered professionals. He advocated for increased recruitment of pharmacists in public healthcare settings.

Other stakeholders, including Dr. Henry Ssekyanzi from the Uganda Medical Association, called for the development and adoption of cost-effective, evidence-based medical technologies tailored to Uganda’s population. They encouraged exhibitors to collaborate with Ugandan medical professionals to ensure innovations effectively address local healthcare needs. The Chairman of the Indian Association in Uganda, Mr. Shri Paresh Mehta, underscored the importance of enhanced interaction between Ugandan medical professionals and Indian companies to foster partnerships, knowledge exchange, and the growth of local pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The expo itself served as a crucial platform, bringing together Indian companies specializing in pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, and machinery, alongside key players from Uganda’s health sector. This gathering was seen as vital for cultivating collaborations and advancing the nation’s pharmaceutical landscape.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)