Over 100 pharmacists, manufacturers and dealers in medicine and medical equipment are set to showcase their products and skills in an international exhibition to be held at the UMA showgrounds, Lugogo in Kampala, between 16th-18th February.

Dubbed the “Uganda Pharma and Healthcare International Exhibition 2023,” the event will bring in exhibitors from countries such as United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Kenya, Turkey, India, and Bangladesh, among others.

Stakeholders briefing the media on the upcoming Uganda Pharma and Healthcare International expo. (Photo by Shamim Saad)

“This event will showcase our mission to provide a comprehensive platform to enable the growth of the pharma and healthcare industry in Uganda,” said Dr Edison Ireeta, the secretary, Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU), the organisers. This was during a press conference held at the UMA conference hall on Thursday.

He said 60 of the 100 exhibitors expected to take part are from abroad, while 40 are locally based.

“More than 10,000 visitors are expected to flock Lugogo to witness the exhibits. The exhibition will bring together international, regional and local players in different fields of the pharma and healthcare industry,” said Dr Ireeta, adding that firms will showcase the latest products, technology and innovations.

(L-R) Dr Edson Ireeta, Secreatry, Pharmaceutical Society Uganda (PSU), Dr Seru Morries, Commissioner, Pharmacy and Natural Medicine Ministry of Health and Vijayanka Brighuvanishi during the press briefing. (Photo by Shamim Saad)

To be held under the theme: “Unleashing the untapped potential of the pharma, medical and healthcare sectors in Uganda,” the exhibition will focus on pharmaceuticals, API’s medical, healthcare, laboratory, surgical, dental, orthopaedic, medical tourism, herbal, Ayurveda, among others.

Dr Morries Seru, the commissioner, pharmacy and natural medicine, at the health ministry, said the government is making an all-out effort to groom the local pharmaceutical sector since 50% of healthcare providers are from the private sector.

“We may have the money but lack access to quality medicine. This situation manifested itself during the COVID-19 lockdowns where we had to beg developed countries for vaccines to open the economy again. Our herbalists made a lot of research and gave us hope and some remedies. We need to groom such into an industry,” he said.

Dr Seru Morries speaking during the press briefing on the upcoming Uganda Pharma and Healthcare International Expo. (Photo by Shamim Saad)

Mubarak Kirunda Nkuutu, the business development manager at the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), said the expo will include business-to-business and business-to-consumer engagements, which will be vital in network building.

Put together by Exhibition and Trade Services India Pvt. Ltd, a leading show organizer and promoter, the exhibition is being sponsored by the National Drug Authority (NDA), Allied Health Professional Council (AHPC), Uganda Medical Association, Ministry of Health and UMA.

(L-R) Vijayanka Brighuvanishi, Dr Edson Ireeta and another stakholder interacting during a press briefing. (Photo by Shamim Saad)

It will bring together entrepreneurs, professionals in the pharma, medical and healthcare sectors, research and policymakers from the government.