Sudan Imports Medicines Worth $227 Million
The National Council for Drugs and Poisons held its first meeting for the year 2025 in the presidential hall of the Ministry Complex in Port Sudan. The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister of Health, Dr. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim, along with the Council’s Vice President, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Animal Resources. Also present were the Director of the National Medical Supplies Fund, the Director of Standards and Metrology, the Director of Economic Security, representatives from the Minister of Industry, the Director of Customs, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, and some members attending virtually from relevant authorities and experts.
Dr. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim emphasized the role of the council in ensuring drug safety and availability. He praised the 2024 performance, highlighting efforts to ensure a stable drug supply and combat smuggling. He affirmed his support for the council through enhanced laboratory testing capabilities.
The minister pointed out the council’s achievements over the past year, particularly in facilitating drug imports despite the country’s challenges and preventing counterfeit medicines from entering the market. He also commended the council’s 2025 strategic plan, which prioritizes local pharmaceutical production and the regulation of industrial zones across different states.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the National Council for Drugs and Poisons, Dr. Ali Babiker, presented the 2024 performance report, revealing that Sudan imported medicines worth $227 million in 2024, significantly contributing to drug availability. He also highlighted the activation of the electronic system and the designation of pharmaceutical industrial zones in Northern, Kassala, and Red Sea states.
Dr. Babiker noted that 19 pharmaceutical factories were granted permits for contract manufacturing abroad, producing 175 pharmaceutical products. Additionally, veterinary medicines and vaccines were imported through simplified procedures due to urgent demand.
He also announced the launch of a Mini Lab for drug testing in Atbara, housed at the Standards and Metrology Authority, along with another lab in Dongola.
For 2025, the council’s focus will be on reviving national pharmaceutical production by establishing a financial portfolio in coordination with the Central Bank of Sudan to support local manufacturers. The council will also allow contract manufacturing to ensure a stable drug supply, reopen drug and pharmaceutical factory registrations, and work towards opening three new drug testing laboratories in different states. Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance the council’s quality system to reach Maturity Level 3 (ML3) in compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
