Amidst the endless list of adverse effects that crashed down upon us, induced by the Covid-19 pandemic, there were a few positive aftermaths that somehow helped India in its economic growth. Covid pandemic came as a blessing in disguise for the pharmaceutical industry as it promulgated itself like never before.
Be it in the terms of product innovation and development, or helping numerous countries with its bulk pharma exports, India gained reputation in multiple aspects from almost every nook and corner of the world. India’s contribution towards the third-world countries of the African continent is surely something to talk about, and something which has already created much buzz in the world of pharma.
The World of Indian Pharma Amidst Covid Pandemic
To start with, India’s pharmaceutical exports crossed the bar of $24.4 billion during the pandemic, which is supposedly the highest growth of 18.4% ever recorded in the last nine years.
As per data available with the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India or Pharmexcil, sales of several products for the treatment of COVID-19 have soared and contributed to the high growth. While some of the products have grown by more than 200%, even regularly used paracetamol combinations have grown exponentially.
India did some major bulk production and also exported critical drugs like hydroxychloroquine, paracetamol as well as azithromycin to over 20 countries to aid the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
As per some reports, India will be exporting these drugs to US, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Bahrain, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Dominican Republic, Israel, Canada, UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, Mauritius, Seychelles, and some other African countries, including South Africa.
Position of the Pharmaceutical World of Africa post Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted Africa´s vulnerability which is due to its heavy reliance on the imports for most of the vaccines, medicines and other health product needs.
The continent was always known to import around 95% of its medical consumables, while the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) estimated that Africa imports about 94% of its pharmaceutical and medicinal needs from outside the continent at an annual cost of US$ 16 Billion.
Noting that investment is crucial for the promotion of local pharmaceuticals manufacturing in the continent, Vera Songwe, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of UNECA, acknowledged the lack of adequate funding within Africa as one of the continent’s enduring challenges.
Apparently there is no medicine manufacturing happening in about 36 sub-Saharan African countries.
The Sub-Saharan region of Africa, has the highest most-favored-nation tariff rates on medical goods which is around 9.2%; as compared to the advanced economies who are having it around 1.9%, and other emerging market and developing economies having it at around 6.6%.
With little or no production capacity for test kits, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices and consumables, these categories saw the least import tariffs. As per the Global Trade Alert, only about eight countries in this concerned region, like those of Angola, Chad, Malawi, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia; had somehow reduced or eliminated import tariffs and sales/VAT taxes on medical goods in 2020, but on a temporary basis.
As per a report by the Goldstein Market Intelligence, the value of Africa’s pharmaceutical industry might generate a worth of around $56 billion by 2030. But this might not culminate into some sustainable development as it would require more investment and technology in the arena of African medicines manufacturing.
Did you know?
Weefsel Pharma exported medicines like hydroxychloroquine, antimalarial drugs, etc; in bulk to the Sub-Saharan African countries, while contributing to the global fight against coronavirus.
Indian Pharma Exports to Africa
The continent of Africa happens to be one of the biggest markets for a vast range of core and allied pharmaceutical products; manufactured and exported by Weefsel Pharma. Let’s check out the list.
Different Pharmaceutical Drugs and Medicines Exported to the African Countries by Weefsel Pharma
The vast pharma exports moved out by Weefsel Pharma to the different African countries, can be classified under three major sub-heads; i,e (i) Disease-specific Drugs Common to Most African Countries, (ii) Other Disease- specific Medicines and (iii) Miscellaneous.
1. Disease-specific Drugs Common to Most African Countries
- Anti cancer
- Anti-Diabetic Drugs
- Tuberculosis medicines
- Antimalarial Drugs
- Hydroxychloroquine
- HIV Care Medicines
- Hepatitis Care
- Antidiarrheal Medicine
- Anti-Anxiety Medicines
- Antidepressant medicines
2. Other Disease-specific Medicines
- Antilipidemic drugs
- Penicillin
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Cardiovascular Agent Medicines
- Antiarrhythmic Drugs
- Anticoagulants
- Antiplatelet Drugs
- Antihypertensive Drugs
- CNS Drugs
- Neuropathic Drugs
- Antipsychotic Drugs
- Antibiotics
- Anti Viral
- Antiparasitic
- Analgesics or Pain Killers
- Antipyretic Drugs
- Antiemetics
- Nephrological Drugs
- HCG medicines
- Laxatives
- Diuretics
- Antihistamine Drugs
- GIT Agent Drugs
- Anti-Ulcer Medicines
- Blood Disorder Medicines
- Bronchodilators
- Anti-asthmatic medicines
- Nasal medicines
3. Miscellaneous
- NSAID Medicines
- Vitamin and Nutrition Supplements
- Electrolytes (ORS)
- General Products
- OTC Products
- Skin Care/ Dermatology
Attention!
It is an absolute necessity to mention here that Weefsel Pharma has curated customised catalogues for each of the African countries as per their regional healthcare requirements.
Check out about the prevailing healthcare issues and how Weefsel Pharma is contributing to tackle the same in the African countries: Leading Pharmaceutical Manufacturer and Exporter to African Countries from India