Ethiopia is currently grappling with a significant shortage of medicines, which has been attributed to regulatory issues and rising prices. The country relies heavily on imports for its medical supplies, with over 90% sourced from abroad. However, persistent challenges have led to frequent shortages that are impacting healthcare delivery across the nation.
According to the Indian Embassy in Ethiopia, the country is experiencing a notable shortage of medicines due to both demand and supply constraints. “Ethiopia has the demand for medicines, but the supply is lacking because of certain regulatory issues,” stated an embassy representative.
Shri Anil Kumar, the Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia, emphasized that adopting the Indian pharmacopoeia could provide a solution. He noted that medicines manufactured according to Indian standards could be approximately 30 to 40 percent cheaper than those produced under US or EU standards. “Countries must decide based on their interests. If they choose to follow the US pharmacopoeia, they will have to purchase medicines at a higher cost due to multiple regulatory checks,” he explained.
Drug shortages are a global concern, affecting both developing and developed nations. The causes are complex and multifaceted, necessitating collaboration among various stakeholders to address the issue effectively. In response to these challenges, India has taken steps to reduce prices on major medications, asserting that these issues are temporary and can be resolved swiftly.
“We are in discussions and have reduced the prices of major medicines,” Ambassador Anil added. “Within India, we have a cap on life-saving drugs, and there are many best practices available.” He highlighted that several delegations from Ethiopia have visited India to understand these practices better.
The ambassador expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation in this area, noting that many developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa face similar challenges regarding consistent supply and access to essential health products. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, currency fluctuations, poor governance, and corruption contribute to these ongoing difficulties.
