President Lungu commissions Kingphar Pharmaceutical Zambia

By Derrick Sinjela

President Lungu commissions Kingphar Pharmaceutical Zambia with Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo

PRESIDENT Edgar Chagwa Lungu, has commissioned Lusaka’s Kingphar Zambia Limited on Wednesday, 21st March 2018 witnessed by Health Minister, Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, Commerce Trade and Industry Minister, Christopher Bwalya Yaluma, Lusaka Province Minister, Bowman Lusambo, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Yang Youming,;Royal Highness Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II,  and Chairman of Kingphar Zambia Limited.

President Lungu described the commissioning of the Kingphar Zambia Limited Pharmaceutical Manufacturing as a milestone similar to NRB Pharmacy Manufacturing Company within Lusaka’s South Multi Facility Economic Zone.

“The Patriotic Front (PF) Government is determined to promote local manufacturing of medicines, as a manifestation of investor confidence in the flourishing Zambian economy, vouched by establishment of Kingphar Zambia Limited Pharmaceutical and NRB Pharmacy Manufacturing firms. The participation of the private sector contributing to a resilient domestic economy,” said President Lungu, flanked by special assistant for press and Public Relations, Mr. Amos Chanda,.

President Lungu said in the quest toward entrenching economic diversification and job creation through value addition and industrialization, depended on private sector-driven, transformation of Zambia into an industrial hub.

Citing the 2016-2021 Seventh  National Development Plan (7NDP), President Lungu said the Zambian Government will continue to play a pivotal role in facilitating a conducive business environment for both local and foreign investors.

“The 7th National Development Plan, is premised on a platform of achieving a resilient and diversified economy without leaving anyone behind.  The PF Government aspires to make Zambia, a prosperous middle income country by 2030,” said President Lungu, stressing sustained bilateral relations between Zambia and china.

President Lungu rejoiced that 2018 marked 50 years of enhanced Sino-Zambia cooperation, now consolidated through investment by Kingphar in the local health sector.

President Lungu commissions Kingphar Pharmaceutical Zambia with Bowman Lusambo

“It is encouraging that 200 Zambians and 17 Chinese expatriates will oversee skills development and knowledge transfer.  I am concerned that despite the presence of some companies in this sector, we still import pharmaceutical products. Zambia continues to have a yawning market which needs to be exploited for more investment in the pharmaceutical industry,” noted President Lungu urging potential investors to take advantage of the multi facility zone.

President Lungu believes that a viable pharmaceutical industry in Zambia and Africa will significantly improve the health system on the continent, through localized supply of drugs.

“My Government in collaboration with the European Union is supporting the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) in constructing a National Quality Control Laboratory (NQCL), and the process of the World Health Organisation (who) recognition and ISO Certification for quality assurance is on course. Once operational, the National Quality Control Laboratory will not only ensure quality medicines but provide easier access to the facility by local manufacturing industries. Government is committed to the growth of the local pharmaceutical industry,” advised President Lungu.

President Lungu said Government is in dialogue with the United Nations Industrial Organisation (UNIDO) to support Zambia’s technical framework aimed at improving access to quality and affordable essential medicines locally.

President Lungu underscored Government resolve toward increased availability and access to safe, efficacious and quality medicines evident through increased budgetary allocation for essential medicines and medical supplies under the Ministry of Health from K 769 million

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