Amman, March 11 (Petra) – Minister of Health Ibrahim Bdour met with pharmaceutical sector representatives to review the status of medical supply chains and discuss ways to enhance their sustainability and ensure the continued availability of medicines and medical supplies in the local market.

Bdour discussed maintaining safe and sufficient pharmaceutical reserves and monitoring the availability of essential medicines in the local market to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of efficient healthcare services.

Bdour said that the Ministry of Health is working closely with stakeholders across the pharmaceutical sector to enhance coordination and improve supply chain efficiency.

He added that the cooperation helps facilitate the work of pharmaceutical companies and warehouses and address challenges related to import, manufacturing and distribution, ensuring the continued availability of medicines and medical supplies under all circumstances.

He said that the Cabinet approved last week the payment of outstanding dues owed to pharmaceutical companies and warehouses for 2024, totaling JD70 million. He said the decision would support the stability of the pharmaceutical sector and strengthen the capacity of companies and warehouses to continue supplying the health sector with medicines and medical supplies.

Hanan Sboul, Secretary-General of the Jordanian Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, said local pharmaceutical factories are continuing production to meet domestic demand, adding that the stock of locally manufactured medicines is sufficient for at least six months.

She said that the sufficient stockpile reflects the national pharmaceutical industry's ability to support drug security in the Kingdom.

Thamer Obeidat, Secretary-General of the Association of Pharmaceutical Warehouse Owners, said the stock of imported medicines in the local market is sufficient for at least six months.

He said that warehouses are continuing efforts to secure supplies and ensure the smooth distribution of medicines across the health sector, noting close cooperation with official institutions to maintain pharmaceutical security.

Tayseer Abu Sheikha, Head of the Syndicate of Medical, Scientific and Laboratory Supplies Traders, said stocks of medical supplies and laboratory materials are sufficient for more than six months.

He discussed the stability of supply and distribution operations in the local market, attributing it to ongoing coordination among relevant authorities and daily communication with importing companies to facilitate shipping and customs clearance procedures.

Participants called for continued coordination between the Ministry of Health, the Jordan Food and Drug Administration and stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector to enhance market stability and ensure the sustainable availability of medicines and medical supplies in the Kingdom.

//Petra// AK