For the First Time… Egyptian Medicine Between the Covers of a Book
Documenting the Path of Development and Innovation in the Pharmaceutical Sector
El-Ghamrawy: Documenting the journey of medicine in Egypt enables us to learn from past experiences and forms a solid foundation for developing future pharmaceutical policies that serve public health.
Magdy Mounir: “Medicine in Egypt” documents well-established regulatory achievements and reflects the Authority’s role in protecting citizens’ health.
Nashaat El-Daihy: The documentary publication affirms the leadership of the Egyptian Drug Authority and its knowledge- and innovation-based approach.
Osama El-Saeed: The book represents an important reference for future generations and reflects the evolution of regulatory thinking within the pharmaceutical system.
Mohamed El-Baz: The book not only documents the past, but also presents a future-oriented vision for pharmaceutical policies in Egypt.
The Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) organized the launch event for its new documentary book, “Medicine in Egypt… A Journey Through Time,” which represents the first comprehensive documentary publication chronicling the history of the national pharmaceutical industry, its development across different eras, and its role in supporting the public health system and strengthening pharmaceutical security in Egypt.
The event was attended by a number of EDA leaders, along with editors-in-chief, journalists, and media professionals, including senior journalist Magdy Mounir, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Ahram newspaper; prominent media figure Nashaat El-Daihy, Chairman of TEN TV Network; senior journalist Dr. Osama El-Saeed, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Akhbar newspaper; and senior journalist Dr. Mohamed El-Baz, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Dostor newspaper. The book-signing ceremony was moderated by media professional Mostafa Meizar, Media Advisor to the Egyptian Drug Authority.
The publication of the book comes within the framework of the Egyptian Drug Authority’s commitment to documenting national efforts to develop the pharmaceutical sector, highlighting the major transformations witnessed by the industry, and showcasing the state’s role in supporting local manufacturing and innovation. This reflects an ambitious future vision for a vital sector that represents one of the most important pillars of health and economic development.
At the outset of the event, Dr. Ali El-Ghamrawy, Chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority, welcomed all attendees from EDA leadership, editors-in-chief, journalists, media professionals, emphasizing that their presence reflects their interest in supporting the development journey of the pharmaceutical sector and their active contribution to raising awareness of the importance of drug regulation and manufacturing in Egypt.
Dr. El-Ghamrawy praised their role in strengthening communication between the Authority and the community, considering their participation a strong incentive for the EDA to continue its efforts in documentation and knowledge transfer to future generations.
During the event, Dr. El-Ghamrawy provided a comprehensive overview of the book’s content, explaining that it documents the journey of medicine in Egypt across different historical periods. Through its chapters, images, and authenticated documents, the book traces the pharmaceutical industry from the early beginnings of traditional medicine and medicinal herbs through stages of development, legislation, and regulatory frameworks governing medicines. It also explores the history of establishing institutions supporting the pharmaceutical sector and the phases of strengthening regulatory and quality systems.
The book highlights the role of national companies in establishing the concept of responsible pharmaceutical manufacturing, culminating in the establishment of the Egyptian Drug Authority and the vital role it plays in regulating and overseeing medical products, ensuring their quality, safety, and efficacy, and achieving a qualitative leap in governance and efficiency within the pharmaceutical system.
The publication also showcases inspiring experiences in supporting innovation and scientific research, localizing strategic pharmaceutical products, and developing registration and circulation mechanisms. In addition, it highlights the Authority’s efforts to align with international standards, support exports, and open new markets for Egyptian medicines.
Dr. El-Ghamrawy further noted that the book highlights the major transformations witnessed by the pharmaceutical industry, the development of the local manufacturing system, and the state’s role in supporting innovation, scientific research, and pharmaceutical technology localization. It also underscores the Authority’s efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian medicines regionally and globally.
The book also emphasizes the role of pharmaceutical regulation in promoting a culture of quality and responsibility and presents examples of state achievements in developing the pharmaceutical industry and improving healthcare services, thereby contributing to the protection of citizens’ health and supporting sustainable development goals.
Dr. El-Ghamrawy affirmed that the issuance of this book represents a significant documentary achievement that records key milestones in the development of Egypt’s pharmaceutical sector and reflects the Authority’s commitment to innovation and responsible regulation. He explained that the book is an important step toward transferring knowledge and expertise to future generations and establishing an institutional memory for the health and pharmaceutical sectors.
He added that the Egyptian Drug Authority continues to develop its policies and strategies in line with the latest international standards, contributing to strengthening Egypt’s regional and international standing in pharmaceutical regulation, while supporting local manufacturing, scientific research, and innovation.
The event also featured a panel discussion addressing the themes and contents of the book, during which participants reviewed its historical documentation of the pharmaceutical industry in Egypt and the integrated vision it presents for developing the pharmaceutical system and supporting innovation and scientific research. The session witnessed a fruitful exchange of views on the importance of this documentary work in transferring knowledge to future generations and raising awareness of the role of pharmaceutical regulation.
For his part, media professional Yasser Thabet praised the issuance of “Medicine in Egypt… A Journey Through Time,” emphasizing its documentary value in reflecting the institutional development of Egypt’s pharmaceutical system. He noted that the Egyptian Drug Authority has presented a leading model of knowledge- and expertise-based regulation and oversight.
Magdy Mounir expressed his appreciation for the significant efforts exerted by the Egyptian Drug Authority in preparing this publication, which embodies decades of institutional development. He emphasized that the book reflects the progress achieved in pharmaceutical legislation, regulation, and local manufacturing, and highlights the Authority’s national role in ensuring the quality and safety of medicines for Egyptian citizens.
Nashaat El-Daihy stressed that the book represents an important step in documenting the history of pharmaceutical regulation in Egypt and reflects the Authority’s vision of building an institutional memory based on accumulated knowledge and experience. He noted that the publication not only documents historical stages but also reflects the modern regulatory approach adopted by the Authority in accordance with the highest international standards.
Dr. Osama El-Saeed praised the book’s documentary content, considering it an important reference for researchers and professionals in the health and pharmaceutical sectors. He emphasized that it reflects the evolution of regulatory thinking within the Egyptian Drug Authority and its role in developing pharmaceutical policies and improving oversight.
Dr. Mohamed El-Baz also commended the publication, noting that it combines historical documentation with a forward-looking vision. He affirmed that the book highlights the Authority’s pioneering role in building a modern regulatory system based on knowledge, responsibility, and continuous development.
The event concluded with the honoring of a group of journalists and media professionals in appreciation of their contributions to supporting the mission of the Egyptian Drug Authority and highlighting the development of the pharmaceutical sector, reaffirming the role of national media as a key partner in promoting health awareness and social responsibility.
At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Ali El-Ghamrawy extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to all attendees, emphasizing that their participation and media support represent a strong incentive to continue advancing the pharmaceutical system in Egypt.
The Egyptian Drug Authority reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to developing pharmaceutical regulatory policies and supporting local manufacturing, scientific research, and innovation, in a manner that enhances Egypt’s regional and international standing and safeguards citizens’ health.