Pharmacists Advocate for Dedicated Fund to Boost Local Drug Research and Manufacturing

Pharmacists in Uganda are calling for the creation of a specialized government fund to accelerate local drug research and manufacturing. This initiative aims to empower local innovators and manufacturers to develop and produce essential medicines within the country, reducing reliance on imports.

During the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) Annual Continuing Professional Development meeting, PSU President Dr. Jonans Tusiimire highlighted the need for increased investment in pharmaceutical innovation and local production. He emphasized that local entrepreneurs often face significant hurdles when trying to establish industries from scratch, especially when competing with established international players.

Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Eng. Jonard Asiimwe, acknowledged the growing importance of research and emerging technologies like genomics and artificial intelligence in transforming healthcare. He encouraged health professionals to actively participate in translating these advancements into practical solutions for Uganda’s health sector. The Minister also pointed to the potential of traditional medicinal knowledge, stressing the need for rigorous scientific validation and integration with modern technology.

Dr. Tusiimire also advocated for the establishment of a regional College of Pharmacists, similar to institutions serving other medical specialities. This college would focus on professional development, pharmaceutical innovation, local manufacturing, and bolstering pharmaceutical security within the region. A proposal for this college has already been presented and is under consideration by health ministers and the ECSA Senate.

Furthermore, the PSU is seeking support for a fellowship program aimed at training pharmacists in pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing. Progress has been made in developing pharmaceutical-grade microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from maize cobs, with a prototype already produced. However, securing the remaining funding is crucial to fully realize the project’s objectives.

PSU Secretary General Dr. Steven Rutoti reiterated the call for a dedicated fund, urging the government to provide essential support such as equipment, land, and tax incentives to budding pharmaceutical researchers and entrepreneurs. He stressed that such measures are vital for encouraging local production of pharmaceutical raw materials and fostering a robust domestic drug manufacturing capacity.

This report is based on information from the Daily Monitor.