Minister of Health Professor, Roma Chilengi, has commended local pharmaceutical companies for investing in domestic production. Professor Chilengi says the developments will create employment opportunities, strengthen the healthcare system and support the Government’s Grow Zambia…

Minister of Health Professor, Roma Chilengi, has commended local pharmaceutical companies for investing in domestic production.

Professor Chilengi says the developments will create employment opportunities, strengthen the healthcare system and support the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda.

He said the investments demonstrate Zambia’s ambition to expand local manufacturing is achievable and is already translating into tangible results.

Professor Chilengi was speaking after an inspection tour of V.L. Health Net Services Limited and Medizam Healthcare Limited, local pharmaceutical companies.

He said the investments would also provide opportunities for graduates and future scientists to acquire practical skills and contribute to the country’s economic development.

Professor Chilengi further noted that increased local production would improve the availability of essential medical commodities within the country’s healthcare system.

Meanwhile, Professor Chilengi has announced that Zambia is expected to break ground for the construction of a cholera vaccine manufacturing facility this month, through a partnership between the Zambian and Chinese governments.

He said the Zambian Government, through the Industrial Development Corporation, IDC, would be the majority shareholder in the project.

Professor Chilengi said the initiative demonstrates the Government’s commitment to building local capacity in vaccine production, expressing optimism that Zambia would manufacture its first vaccine in the coming months.

And local Pharmaceutical companies have pledged to continue serving the people of Zambia by making quality healthcare services more accessible and affordable in line with the national vision.

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