By:Goshu Melisew
The Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association (EPA) said Ethiopia is intensifying efforts to reduce its dependence on imported medicines by strengthening domestic pharmaceutical production.
The Association convened its 46th Annual Scientific Conference under the theme, "Empowering Pharmacists as Key Leaders in Healthcare: Advancing Antimicrobial Stewardship, Innovation, and Collaborative Practices for a Resilient Future."
The conference focuses on modernizing and strengthening the pharmaceutical supply system, enhancing the capacity of pharmacy professionals, expanding access to primary healthcare services, and combating antimicrobial resistance, among other key health sector priorities.
Speaking at the event, EPA President Dr. Daniel Waktole emphasized that strengthening a reliable medicine supply through local pharmaceutical manufacturing is vital. He noted that domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers are working not only to produce medicines locally but also to ensure that high-quality medicines are safely and reliably accessible to consumers.
Dr. Daniel further underscored that health professionals and researchers are expected to play a greater role in addressing the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance, which has become a major public health concern.
He stated that empowering and preparing young pharmacists for innovation is one of the Association's key priorities in ensuring the reliability and sustainability of public healthcare services. He also noted that the EPA has been implementing various initiatives to address gaps in medication prescribing practices and is working collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to resolve challenges related to pharmacists' competency assessments and the renewal of professional licenses.
The Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Association reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that quality-assured and safe medicines are accessible to the public.
For his part, Director General of the Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Supply Service (EPSS), Dr. Abdulkadir Galgelo, said the institution has implemented a demand-based digital system to ensure the equitable distribution of medicines across the country.
He added that as Ethiopia continues to create a favorable investment climate, various pharmaceutical manufacturers are operating in the country. Medical supplies such as examination gloves, hospital beds, and pharmaceutical products are increasingly being manufactured locally, helping the nation save valuable foreign currency.
Participants underscored the need for pharmaceutical manufacturers to enhance their production capacities and adopt an innovation-led, research-based approach to pharmaceutical development and production.
It was noted that the outcomes of the conference will be utilized by various stakeholders, including policymakers, academic institutions, and healthcare practitioners, to support evidence-based decision-making in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
During the event, awards were presented to individuals and institutions in recognition of their outstanding service, contributions to pharmaceutical research, and achievements in advancing the sector.
