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5/ Jordan's pharmaceutical industries ensure national drug security-Atrash
Amman, Mar. 28 (Petra) – Representative of pharmaceutical and medical supplies sector at Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI), Dr. Fadi Atrash, affirmed the Kingdom's pharmaceutical industry constitutes a "key" pillar in achieving and supporting national drug security and strengthening the country's "strategic" stockpile of human medicines. In remarks to "Petra" Saturrday, he said the sector continues to support national efforts at this stage and is working in coordination with official bodies to ensure availability of medicines for citizens in "sufficient" quantities at stable prices. Atrash added that this effort would enhance the resilience of the Kingdom's health system and its ability to cope with various circumstances. He added that the Jordanian pharmaceutical industry is a "strategic" sector, as it contributes to achieving national drug security under all circumstances. The sector, he noted, proved its strength and reliability during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it "successfully operated at full capacity" to bolster the Kingdom's stockpile of human medicines and sterilization and disinfection supplies, despite the challenges that global supply chains faced. He noted the sector operates with "flexible and expandable" production capacity, enabling it to respond quickly to any increase in demand. He stated local companies adhere to the highest internationally recognized quality and control standards, which enhance confidence of local and international markets in Jordanian pharmaceuticals. Atrash referred to a recent meeting attended by the Minister of Health, Dr. Ibrahim Bdour, local manufacturers, and importers of medicines and medical supplies. During the discussion, he said the current state of pharmaceutical stocks and the challenges related to supply chains were tackled. He affirmed coordination is ongoing among various stakeholders to ensure the continued availability of medicines. He noted the sector boasts a production capacity of up to JD1.5 billion annually and relies on a successful business model focused on generic drugs under international brand names, while adhering to high international standards. He added that the pharmaceutical industry is now one of the "most promising" sectors in Jordan, given its "advanced expertise and high quality." Currently, he announced the Kingdom now produces more than 5,000 pharmaceutical products, marking a "significant" increase from just a few products in previous years. Atrash added that pharmaceutical factories in the Kingdom are "continuously" expanding their production lines, making strategic investments, keeping pace with the latest technological advancements in the pharmaceutical industry, and developing new products. This process , he said, has strengthened these plants' position, quality, and competitiveness in export markets. He pointed out that the pharmaceutical sector comprises 30 facilities nationwide, with a registered capital of approximately JD350 million. "These facilities have provided 10,000 direct job opportunities, 35 percent of which are held by women, and exports reach 85 markets worldwide," he noted. According to foreign trade figures issued by the Department of Statistics, the Kingdom's exports of pharmaceutical products grew by 5.1% last year, reaching JD642 million, compared to 611 million dinars in 2024. //Petra// AG
28/03/2026 12:13:44
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