On 77th Anniversary of Independence, stakeholders reflect on Jordan’s pharmaceutical industry achievements 

shahennews

Over the past six decades, the Jordanian pharmaceutical industry has achieved remarkable growth and acclaim. It has earned a solid reputation among manufacturers and producers, enabling it to venture into international markets and establish a strong presence as a leading exporter.

Founded by a group of pharmacists and business owners, the Jordanian pharmaceutical industry thrived under the supportive environment provided by the Hashemite leadership. Believing in the importance of self-reliance, the leadership paved the way for economic activity and provided opportunities for production and development.

The Jordanian pharmaceutical industry emerged as one of the earliest Arab industries, with the establishment of its first factory in Salt in 1962. From its inception, the industry aimed to create a national product with a distinction that would transcend borders. It quickly garnered quality certifications, gaining the trust and confidence of export markets. Today, Jordanian medicines are available in 85 countries worldwide.

One notable aspect of the Jordanian pharmaceutical industry is its reliance on local talent. More than 98 percent of the sector’s workforce of 10,000 employees are Jordanians, with women constituting 35 percent of the workforce. This emphasis on employing local expertise showcases the industry’s commitment to human capital development.

As the only country in the region that exports 80 percent of its pharmaceutical production, the Jordanian pharmaceutical industry has been recognized with quality certifications, further bolstering its reputation and boosting sales. It competes with international businesses and has made inroads into non-traditional markets in Europe, America, Africa, East Asia, and Latin America.

Fadi Al-Atrash, who represents the therapeutic industries and medical supplies sector at the Jordan Chamber of Industry, spoke to the Jordan News Agency (Petra) about the achievements and significance of the pharmaceutical industry. He highlighted that the industry enjoys direct support, care, and interest from His Majesty King Abdullah II.

“The industry’s inclusion in the Economic Modernization Vision underscores its importance and positive impact on the national economy, placing it at the forefront of the regional pharmaceutical landscape,” he said.

Al-Atrash noted the industry’s growth and investments, exemplified by the opening of state-of-the-art production lines and modern pharmaceutical factories, the development of new therapeutic groups, and the expansion into non-traditional global export markets. The sector encompasses 151 establishments with a total registered capital of approximately JD341 million. Additionally, 15 Jordanian factories operate outside the Kingdom, strategically located in Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Sudan.

Looking ahead, he added, the Economic Modernization Vision aims to further elevate the pharmaceutical industry’s impact. The goal is to increase sector exports to JD2.1 billion by 2033 through the establishment of a drug research and development center, the promotion of quality pharmaceutical industries, and the attraction of investments totaling approximately JD1.1 billion.

Al-Atrash indicated that the benefits of the Jordanian pharmaceutical industry extend beyond economic prosperity, saying that it supports and bolsters the medical tourism industry, contributes to national security, and has proven its resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

//Petra// RZ