Egypt’s Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar participated on Saturday in the “Medicine Sector” session within the activities of the Health Working Group meetings of the Group of 20, held from 18 to 19 August, in India. Abdel Ghaffar stressed the urgent need to ensure the right to health for all, as the pharmaceutical sector plays a pivotal role in global health, explaining the importance of strengthening cooperation in this field to ensure the well-being of societies. He pointed out that the coronavirus pandemic showed the importance of a strong and resilient pharmaceutical sector, as that crisis highlighted weaknesses in healthcare systems, and exposed health systems’ gaps in preparing to confront pandemics. The Minister of Health and Population reviewed Egypt’s experience over the past years in promoting local production of medicines and vital medical products, which was a basic pillar of the national health agenda. The minister added that more resources must be allocated in the main areas of health care, including scientific research for new treatments, especially in issues related to public health, epidemics, immunity and vaccines, through the development of geographically diverse research, development and manufacturing networks.

Source: Daily News Egypt August 20, 2023 00:57 UTC