Dr. Ali El-Ghamrawy, Chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), held an extensive meeting with representatives of pharmaceutical distribution companies as part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the efficiency of the national medicines distribution system and ensure the availability of safe, high-quality pharmaceutical products for citizens.
The meeting reflects the Authority’s commitment to implementing best regulatory and oversight practices, while supporting effective collaboration among all stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector. These efforts aim to protect public health and enhance the effectiveness of Egypt’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
Discussions covered key issues related to distribution companies, particularly storage and transportation mechanisms, and explored ways to improve supply chain efficiency to ensure continuous availability of pharmaceutical products across all governorates. The meeting also addressed efforts to enhance distribution operations and strengthen coordination among distribution companies, manufacturing facilities, and pharmacies to ensure smoother circulation of medicines in the local market.
The meeting reviewed progress achieved under the current phase of the expired-medicine withdrawal initiative, presenting implementation rates and field challenges. Participants discussed plans and mechanisms for the withdrawal process and stock handling, along with an evaluation of operational procedures to ensure the market remains free of expired medicines. Emphasis was placed on the importance of the safe disposal of unusable pharmaceutical products to safeguard public health.
During the meeting, Dr. El-Ghamrawy affirmed that the EDA is working according to a clear vision to develop the regulatory and oversight framework of the pharmaceutical system, stabilize the market, and ensure timely access to high-quality medicines. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining robust distribution and control mechanisms and enhancing coordination with all relevant stakeholders to ensure efficient pharmaceutical operations and protect citizens’ health.
Representatives of distribution companies expressed appreciation for the pivotal role played by the Egyptian Drug Authority in regulating the market and ensuring the quality of pharmaceutical products. They affirmed their full commitment to supporting the Authority’s efforts to improve storage, transportation, and distribution processes.
The meeting was attended, on behalf of the Egyptian Drug Authority, by Dr. Tamer Elhossieny, Vice Chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority, and Dr. Amira Mahjoub, Head of the Central Administration for Inspection.
Representatives of distribution companies included Dr. Mohamed Gazzarin, Chairman of Pharma Overseas; Dr. Mahmoud Abdel Gawad, Chairman of Ibn Sina; Dr. Walid Saada, Chief Executive Officer for Supply Chains at the Egyptian Company for Trading Drugs; Dr. William Mahany, Chairman of Ramco; and Dr. Ramiz Mahany, Vice Chairman of Ramco, in addition to a group of representatives from other distribution companies.