Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
President Edgar C Lungu picture by Alfred Mwansa
President Edgar Lungu is concerned that despite the presence of some companies in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, the country continues to import pharmaceutical products.
Speaking at the commissioning of Kingphar Zambia Limited, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company located in the Lusaka East Multi Facility Economic Zone, President Lungu urged potential investors to take advantage of the multi facility zones facilitated by government to invest in the pharmaceutical industry.
He says a viable pharmaceutical industry in Zambia in particular and Zambia as a whole will impact significantly on the health system in the African continent.
President Lungu says this will enable effective response to the people’s health needs and will also contribute to Africa’s overall socio-economic development.
He says Kingphar Zambia Limited project signifies the strong cordial relations that exist between Zambia and China.
He states that the investment by Kingphar in the health sector ,particularly the manufacturing industry is aimed at further promoting SINO-Zambia cooperation.
President Lungu adds that he has been informed that 200 Zambian staff will be employed and 17 Chinese expartriates who will oversee skill development and knowledge transfer.
He also disclosed that government in collaboration with the European Union is supporting the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) to construct the National Quality Control Laboratory.
He says process of the World Health Organisation (WHO0 recognition and ISO Certification for Quality Assurance for the project is already ongoing.
President Lungu has since urged the minister of health to ensure that this process is expedited.
The Head of State says once operational, the National Quality Control Laboratory will also provide easier access to the facility by local manufacturing industries.