India-Uganda Pharma business meeting to focus on partnerships

HEALTH

KAMPALA - Pharmaceutical experts from India and Uganda will converge in Kampala for the India-Uganda Pharma business meeting on March 7 at Hotel Protea by Marriott in Kampala.

The meeting, according to organizers is aimed at to exploring ways of strengthening cooperation between the pharmaceutical sectors in the two countries. 

The Indian delegation representing some of the biggest pharmaceutical industries in India will also explore different investment opportunities in Uganda before departing on March 9. 

Uganda still imports 90% of its essential medicines and health supplies. As of 2015 Uganda's Medical and Pharmaceutical product imports cost $373.364m

However, this trend may change as about 45 Indian pharmaceutical companies are planning to invest in the country.

India is one of the biggest exporters of drugs and pharmaceutical equipment to Uganda.  India is also the largest provider of generic drugs globally. 

According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, the Indian pharmaceutical industry supplies over 50% of global demand for various vaccines.

Uganda's pharmaceutical products imports from India as of 2017, totaled $140.74m, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.

The meeting is being supported by the High Commission of India in Kampala with support from Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association and The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda.

India's pharmaceutical sector was valued at $33b in 2017 and is expected to reach $55b in 2020. 

Also pharmaceutical exports that included among other bulk drugs, drug formulations, herbal products and surgical stood at $17.27b in 2018.