Egypt is working to build a six-month strategic stockpile of essential pharmaceutical raw materials, up from the current three-month reserve, to ensure market stability, Chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) Ali El-Ghamrawy stated, according to the Egyptian Cabinet. Speaking at a press conference at the EDA headquarters, El-Ghamrawy highlighted that Egypt's pharmaceutical market remains strong, with sales reaching EGP 307 billion in 2024, up from EGP 216 billion in 2023. The total volume of pharmaceuticals distributed in 2024 was 3.5 billion units, compared to 3.7 billion in 2023, with exports reaching 147 countries. El-Ghamrawy acknowledged that foreign currency shortages in the past year led to supply challenges, but he confirmed that Egypt has resolved 97-98 per cent of shortages, bringing availability back to globally recognised safe levels. He also noted that the EDA's recent accreditation by the World Health Organisation (WHO) will enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian pharmaceutical manufacturers, improve the industry's global reputation, and expand exports to international humanitarian organisations. EDA's chairman highlighted the importance of transitioning to the electronic Common Technical Document (eCTD) system, with the first phase set to launch in April 2025, adding that they have partnered with a leading global company that has implemented this system in over 75 advanced pharmaceutical markets worldwide. Additionally, the EDA will implement a national pharmaceutical traceability system in the second half of 2025 to monitor drug supply chains, reduce expired medicines in circulation, and enhance Egypt's standing in global pharmaceutical regulations, El-Ghamrawy stated. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
