The Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Supply Service (EPSS) distributed pharmaceuticals valued at 68 billion Birr (approximately $456.2 million USD) last year, the Ministry of Health announced.

The figures were revealed during the ongoing 7th National Annual Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Conference.

Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba underscored the vital role of the service, calling the pharmaceutical supply chain the "backbone of the health system." She stressed that efforts to enhance accessibility and equity across the country must be strengthened. Furthermore, the minister praised the EPSS's encouraging progress in its goal to become a preferred regional pharmaceutical supplier across the African continent.

Dr. Mekdes emphasized the national imperative to support domestic capabilities, stating that it is crucial to boost local production to meet Ethiopia’s pharmaceutical demand and reduce dependence on imported medications.

Adding detail, Dr. Abdulkadir Gelgelo, Director General of the EPSS, confirmed that the service operates under supply contracts with over 4,400 hospitals and health institutions. He highlighted the ongoing commitment to expanding the capacity of domestic manufacturers, which currently stands at 41 percent of the nation's total supply.