Khaberni - Minister of Health Ibrahim El-Bdoor convened a meeting at the Ministry of Health on Wednesday with representatives from the Jordanian Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, the Association of Drug Warehouse Owners, and the Syndicate of Medical, Scientific, and Laboratory Material Traders to discuss the reality of medical supply chains and strategies to enhance their sustainability and ensure the availability of medications and medical supplies in the local market.
El-Bdoor explained that the meeting was initiated by direction from the Prime Minister, Jaafar Hassan, to follow up on procedures aimed at ensuring the continuity of supply and provision chains and enhancing the inventory of medications and medical supplies to meet the healthcare sector's needs.
The Minister of Health stressed the necessity of maintaining adequate and safe levels of pharmaceutical inventory and monitoring the availability of essential medications in the local market, to ensure the continuity of providing health services efficiently and effectively.
El-Bdoor confirmed that the Ministry of Health works closely with various components of the pharmaceutical sector and relevant entities to ensure integrated efforts and enhance the efficiency of supply and provision chains.
He noted that this cooperation contributes to facilitating the operations of companies and warehouses and overcoming any challenges that may face importing, manufacturing, and distribution processes, ensuring the sustainable availability of medications and medical supplies for citizens under all circumstances.
El-Bdoor also mentioned that the cabinet had approved last week the payment of arrears due to drug companies and warehouses for the year 2024 amounting to 70 million Dinars, a step that supports the stability of the pharmaceutical sector and enhances the companies' and warehouses' ability to continue supplying the health sector with medications and medical supplies.
During the meeting, the Secretary-General of the Jordanian Association of Pharmaceutical Producers, Hanan Al-Sabool, confirmed that Jordanian pharmaceutical factories continue production to meet the local market needs, and the stock of locally manufactured drugs is reassuring and sufficient for no less than 6 months, reflecting the national pharmaceutical industry's capability to support drug security in the Kingdom.
In turn, the Secretary-General of the Association of Drug Warehouse Owners, Thamer Obeidat, clarified that the stock of imported medications in the local market is also available for a period of no less than 6 months, indicating that the warehouses continue to secure supplies and ensure the smooth supply of medications to different health sectors.
He added that there is close cooperation with official entities in the health sector to ensure the continuous availability of medications in the Jordanian market and maintain pharmaceutical security under all circumstances.
For his part, the Syndicate of Medical, Scientific, and Laboratory Material Traders’ Head, Taysir Abu Sheikhah, confirmed that the stock of medical supplies and laboratory materials is available for more than 6 months, pointing to the stability of supply and distribution operations in the local market thanks to ongoing coordination among concerned entities, as well as daily communication with companies importing medical supplies and devices to facilitate shipping and clearance processes for the arrival of these materials in a secure and swift manner.
The participants in the meeting emphasized the importance of continuing coordination and cooperation between the Ministry of Health, the General Food and Drug Administration, and various relevant entities in the pharmaceutical sector, which enhances market stability and ensures the sustained availability of medications and medical supplies in the kingdom.
In addition to representatives of the pharmaceutical and medical supplies sector, those attending the meeting included the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health for Administrative and Technical Affairs, Ilham Khreisat, and the Director-General of the General Food and Drug Administration, Rana Obeidat.
