[04/08/2025 02:01]

ADEN - SABA

Prime Minister Salem Saleh bin Breik, reviewed the measures to reduce drug and medical supply prices in line with the improvement of the national currency exchange rates.

He emphasized the efforts of monitoring and inspection teams in engaging with companies, drug importers and pharmacies to follow up on this matter, as well as apprehending violators and referring them to legal authorities.

During a meeting on Monday in the temporary capital, Aden, the Prime Minister listened to Dr. Abdulqader al-Bakri, the Executive Director of the High Authority for Medicines and Medical Supplies, who provided details on the actions taken by the authority regarding drug prices in light of the positive changes in the national currency exchange rate, including the directives issued and the inspection teams ensuring compliance.

The Prime Minister confirmed that the government places utmost importance on the pharmaceutical sector, as it is directly linked to citizens' health and safety.

He stressed the need for the positive changes in the national currency exchange rate to be reflected immediately and tangibly in drug and medical supply prices, thereby alleviating the burdens on citizens and curbing the practices of some unregulated companies and suppliers.

The Prime Minister directed the High Authority for Medicines to fulfill its oversight role in regulating drug and medical supply prices, verifying their quality, and ensuring they meet regional and international standards.

He also called for mechanisms to review import invoices and enhance the integrity and transparency of pricing and distribution processes in the local market, prevent monopolies, and ensure the availability of essential medicines at reasonable prices.

He emphasized the need to strengthen coordination between the High Authority for Medicines and relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Health and local authorities, to regulate the pharmaceutical market and pursue anyone who jeopardizes citizen health or manipulates drug prices and varieties.

The meeting also addressed serious government initiatives to encourage national pharmaceutical industries by providing necessary facilities and exemptions to enhance their competitive capabilities.

It discussed reviewing lists of medicines exempted from customs duties and taxes to achieve a balance between stimulating local investment and ensuring market stability.

The Prime Minister noted that the government is in the process of issuing a decision to encourage investment in the production of medicines and medical supplies as a first stage in localizing pharmaceutical production, which will create incentives for more investment projects in the national pharmaceutical sector.

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