The Sudanese Chamber of Medicine Manufacturers announced today, Thursday, that losses in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, including disruptions to production chains due to the ongoing conflict, have exceeded $1 billion.
Khalid Wada’a, a member of the Chamber, told Sudan Tribune that “direct structural losses in the pharmaceutical sector are estimated at over $200 million, while total losses, including the breakdown of production chains, have crossed the $1 billion mark.”
Wada’a explained that the damages to pharmaceutical factories include theft of electrical cabling, destruction of segments of production lines and he migration of 40% to 60% of specialized technical personnel.
He noted that this brain drain represents a significant challenge for a sector that relies on precise expertise that is difficult to replace. He further emphasized that the pharmaceutical industry is one of the most sensitive strategic sectors due to its direct link to both health and economic security, comprising more than 30 factories.
Pre-War Impact
Before the war, the pharmaceutical sector played a vital role in reducing reliance on imports and providing essential medicines at affordable prices, which supported medical supplies and national health insurance.
Signs of Recovery
Despite the damage, Wada’a revealed that production has resumed in six factories, including:
* Blue Nile Factory
* GMC
* Pharmaceutical Industries Factory
* The Armed Forces Factory
* Wafra Factory (which continued production throughout the entire duration of the conflict).
These facilities are producing essential medicines, including treatments for hypertension and diabetes, as well as antibiotics, helping to narrow the gap in medical supplies.
Future Outlook
The Chamber expects more than 10 additional factories to enter production by the end of next March, following the completion of rehabilitation and technical calibration. It is anticipated that the remaining factories will return to service before the end of the year, provided that electricity supplies stabilize and funding is secured.
