By John Lee.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani has inaugurated a US$45-million cancer-medicine factory at the Modern Pharmaceutical Industries Company, a private-sector project, and launched construction works for a US$70-million facility to produce viral vaccines for hepatitis, influenza, and the MMR (mumps, polio, rubella) combination.
The Prime Minister said the new plant -- built with high-grade specifications and advanced international equipment -- is among the most modern in the Middle East and will strengthen Iraq's pharmaceutical security. He described his second visit to the site as a message of support for the localisation of drug manufacturing, a policy pursued since the formation of the government three years ago.
The facility will provide essential cancer treatments inside Iraq. Its first phase will produce oral medicines (tablets and capsules) for cancers of the digestive system, lungs, urinary tract, blood and glands. A second phase -- an intravenous cancer-drug factory -- is planned for completion before the end of 2026. Eight key cancer medicines have already been registered, with agreements for two additional products reached with reputable international companies.
The Prime Minister highlighted the following points:
- Local pharmaceutical production has risen, covering a larger share of Iraq's needs compared with previous years.
- A total of 2,000 medicines have been registered, meeting more than 40% of Kimadia's requirements.
- Industrial-pharma zones are under development in Samarra and Al-Yusufiya.
- Iraq imported US$4.189 billion worth of medicines and medical supplies in 2023; rising imports are a negative indicator and should be reduced by supporting local production.
- The private sector is financially and technically capable and is bringing top-tier technologies to Iraq.
- Expanding production of cancer and other critical medicines will ease patient suffering and address local demand.
- Iraq is preparing for future pharmaceutical exports and expanding factory capacity under modern standards.
- The private sector delivers results quickly, and the government is providing full support.
- New factories will employ graduates of pharmacy colleges, with guarantees to support their work in the private sector.
- The government is committed to safeguarding private-sector workers' rights under the Social Security and Pensions Law.
- Workshops will be held to explain the law, which has been praised by regional and international labour organisations.
(Source: PMO)
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