Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly held a meeting on Monday to follow up plans to expand Egypt's pharmacy network and fortify the nation's pharmaceutical industry, ensuring citizens' access to essential medicines while advancing local drug production. During a high-level meeting, Prime Minister Madbouly emphasised President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's directive to maximise the impact of ambulance pharmacies as a critical safety net for medicine shortages. He highlighted the government's commitment to localising pharmaceutical production, securing raw materials, and maintaining a strategic stockpile of vital drugs to avoid crises. Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar proposed turning public hospitals in high-traffic areas into hubs for larger pharmacies. These facilities will guarantee a steady supply of essential medications for millions of patients who visit these hospitals annually. Bahaa El-Din Zidan, head of the Unified Procurement Authority, confirmed that ambulance pharmacies are now present in every governorate. These pharmacies address shortages and ensure medication availability during emergencies. Boosting Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Egypt is taking a giant leap in self-sufficiency after announcing last week plans to establish its first multi-purpose pharmaceutical raw materials factory. This $120 million project, a collaboration between Arab API and the Suez Canal Economic Zone Authority (SCZone), is poised to make Egypt a regional leader in drug manufacturing, reducing reliance on imports. Digital Innovation to Revolutionise Pharmacy Services To modernise services, the ambulance pharmacy network will undergo a digital transformation. By 2025, the network will include 81 pharmacies, with 28 open 24/7. Enhanced digital tools will streamline operations, reduce wait times, and expand product availability by 64 per cent, ensuring patients can find all their medications under one roof. The launch of the Balshefa mobile app in early 2025 will further revolutionise access to medications. With features like doorstep delivery and real-time tracking, the app aims to serve patients in remote areas, reduce pharmacy congestion, and make ordering medications effortless. Equality and Community Health at the Forefront Operating under the Isaf 24 brand, the ambulance pharmacies are dedicated to equitable service, ensuring all patients can access essential medications without unnecessary purchases or pressure to fill entire prescriptions. Prime Minister Madbouly reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding healthcare services and supporting the pharmaceutical sector. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
