Khaberni - The General Director of the Food and Drug Administration, Nizar Mheidat, during a meeting on Thursday with representatives of the pharmaceutical industry, affirmed the commitment to continue efforts and achievements to develop the pharmaceutical industry and enhance Jordan's pioneering position in the field of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Mheidat emphasized, according to a statement from the institution, the ongoing support from His Majesty King Abdullah II for the pharmaceutical industry and its essential role in enhancing national pharmaceutical security, noting that the institution during the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic succeeded in confronting the pandemic and mitigating its repercussions to maintain pharmaceutical exports, medical supplies, and also price stability.
He also mentioned the registration of 10 vaccines for COVID-19 treatment and 22 medications, and the establishment of 51 disinfectant factories and 56 mask factories early in the pandemic.
The meeting was attended by members of the Parliamentary Health and Food Committee chaired by Dr. Shaherishtnawi and the deputies: Dr. Ahmed Asha, Dr. Ahmed Al-Sarhanah, Dr. Hukm Almaadat, Dr. Hayel Ayash, Dr. Hayat Al-Masimi, Secretary-General of the Jordanian Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Dr. Hanan Al-Saboul and several directors of pharmaceutical companies and factories, and the head of the pharmacists' syndicate Dr. Zaid Al-Kilani and several members of the syndicate council, representatives of the Drug Warehouse Owners Association, and representatives from relevant entities.
Mheidat provided a briefing about the most significant accomplishments of the institution that contributed to enhancing pharmaceutical security, investment, simplifying drug registration processes, developing and initiating specialized legal legislation frameworks, and instructions to keep up with global scientific developments, and enhancing the institution's leading role in drug registration, pharmaceutical inspection, drug pricing, and setting specific price caps for baby formula.
He added that the institution's role goes beyond traditional regulatory duties to supporting investment in the pharmaceutical field, where the institution provides scientific consultancy through the newly established Scientific Consultancy Unit to support local pharmaceutical companies.
Mheidat pointed to the institution's award achievements, including the King Abdullah II Award for Excellence in Governmental Performance and Transparency, first place in the health sector and health oversight category, the Arab Government Excellence Award in its third edition for the best Arab governmental institution of the year 2024, plus being recognized with the Best Arab Government Personality 2024 in the health, family, and population sector.
Mheidat referred to the ongoing efforts to support the pharmaceutical industry by aligning the institution's efforts with pharmaceutical standards, including the institution's inclusion among the global reference bodies for pharmaceuticals through its admission as a member in the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH), and reaching the final stages of joining the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) with ongoing work to achieve final accreditation as an internationally recognized regulatory body through the World Health Organization's program for accreditation and strengthening of national regulatory systems.
He also praised the legislative and regulatory role of the House of Representatives and its members, and their official periodic visits to national institutions to monitor work progress optimally according to royal guidelines, appreciating the efforts exerted by the national pharmaceutical industry, and ongoing cooperation and partnership with the institution, and the continuous pursuit towards development, modernization, and enhancing the competitiveness of the Jordanian pharmaceutical industry in global markets.
Mheidat valued the efforts of the Pharmacy Syndicate Council and cooperation with the institution in various fields, especially in training and awareness workshops that enhance the institution's regulatory and educational role, appreciating the exceptional efforts made by the institution's staff.
On their part, the deputies affirmed the importance of the role played by the institution as one of the leading institutions in Jordan representing a shield for protecting food and drugs as important commodities for citizens and its role in enhancing the competitiveness of the pharmaceutical sector and its leadership as an important resource of the national economy and in providing job opportunities.
They commended the qualitative leaps witnessed by the institution in achieving its vision as a globally leading institution in food and drug regulation, and its mission in ensuring the safety and quality of food, the efficacy and safety of medicine, and efficiency of medical devices and supplies through the application of best global practices, supporting the competitiveness of the national economy, partnership, and enhancing citizen awareness of proper handling of food and drugs according to the highest technical and institutional standards.
They also praised the significant achievements and awards that the institution has received, which represent a testament to its commitment to its national duty, appreciating the efforts of those responsible for the pharmaceutical industry sector and its contribution to supporting the national economy, confirming the continuous support for the pharmaceutical sector and its development for the advancement and progress of the nation under Hashemite leadership.
It is noteworthy that the meeting was part of the periodic meetings that discuss important issues, showcase major achievements and developments, and open constructive dialogue for supporting this vital sector.
