ETHIOPIAN PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES ESTABLISH ASSOCIATION

Fifteen Ethiopian pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers of medical supplies have announced the establishment of the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical and Medical Supplies Manufacturers Sector Association. The group has been formed to promote the manufacture of quality drugs and medical equipment using local suppliers and focusing on traditional remedies.

The association also intends to enhance the contribution of the pharmaceutical industry to Ethiopia's overall economy and to develop a communication network involving international organisations, which would allow for easier dissemination of information and distribution of key drugs. Over the long term, the group is hoping to get technological support from external organisations.

Ethiopia's pharmaceutical sector has developed over the last decade from one state-run company into a thriving industry comprising 12 firms. However, the sector faces problems including punitive duties on imported ingredients and cheap duties on imported end products, which led to two companies declaring bankruptcy in the last four years.