Qatar's first pharma factory opens
Originally published in Gulf Times on February 3, 2011
Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) members are trying to reduce their reliance on the international drug market, HE the Minister of Public Health Abdullah bin Khalid al-Qahtani told Gulf Times yesterday.
“It is the mandate in each GCC country to reduce their dependency on the international drug market. Especially in those sectors within the drug industry that are achievable … (and) less risky,” al-Qahtani said.
He was speaking on the sidelines of the opening of Qatar Pharma, the state’s first pharmaceutical factory, in the Industrial Area.
According to him, GCC leaders have decided to invest heavily in the health sector and the drug manufacturing industry gets priority.
“We are encouraging everyone in the GCC to have (a drug manufacturing capacity). The (drug units in GCC countries) complement each other and (do not) compete with each other.” Qatar Pharma began making pharmaceutical products in July 2009.
Yesterday’s official opening was attended by GCC health ministers and secretary general HE Abdul Rahman bin Hamad al-Attiyah.
In the first phase of operations, Qatar Pharma produces at least 200 products ranging from plasma-volume expanders to electrolytes content and antimicrobials to alkalising IV solutions.
In subsequent phases, the company plans to make generic medicines in tablet, capsule and other forms. Set up by Ahmed bin Mohamed al-Haia al-Sulaiti,
Qatar Pharma mainly uses machinery imported from Italy. It exports its products to other GCC countries and to Libya and Syria.
It aims to export products to Africa and even Europe in future. About 20% of Qatar Pharma output will be needed in the state while 80% will be exported, according to officials.
This pioneering role by private sector was appreciated by the health minister who said the Qatari government would off er free land and other subsidies to manufacturing units.
“Actually, we have received now two more applications. They (private parties) are still looking and exploring where to set up the factories,” al-Qahtani told Gulf Times.
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