VP Chiwenga launches pharmaceutical strategy, Zim manufacturing on 12% of medicines

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has launched the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Strategy for Zimbabwe 2021-2025.

The strategy is designed to ensure that the pharmaceutical industry increases local production and exports of medicines into the region and the rest of the world.

Speaking during the launch, Chiwenga who is also the Minister of Health said the overall thrust of the Pharmaceutical Development Strategy is to make medicines accessible and affordable to citizens.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Sekai Nzenza said the country is currently manufacturing only 12% of the medicines used locally and importing the rest.

She added that this is rendering most of Zimbabwe’s medicines expensive.

Nzenza said the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Strategy is therefore expected to address that.

Meanwhile, Datlabs (Pvt) Ltd one the manufacturers of drugs has expressed its heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Government on the launch of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Strategy for Zimbabwe (2021 – 2025).

The company has reassured stakeholders that it will be equal to the task.

-Zwnews