EHA Chairman Participates in the Opening of “Pharmaconex 2026,” Underscoring the Importance of Localizing Pharmaceutical Industries and Strengthening Drug Security to Support Sustainable Healthcare Services
EHA Chairman: The Launch of the Second Phase of Universal Health Insurance Opens Broad Prospects for the Pharmaceutical and Medical Products Industry; Egypt Is Well Positioned to Become a Regional Hub for Manufacturing, Trade, and Access to Global Markets
EHA Chairman: Egypt Has Achieved 91% Localization of Pharmaceutical and Medical Products Manufacturing, with a Target of Exceeding 95%; Pharmaceutical Exports to Increase from More Than USD 3 Billion to USD 6 Billion, While the Global Pharmaceutical Market Is Expected to Exceed USD 2.6 Trillion by 2030
Dr. Ahmed El Sobky, Chairman of the General Authority for Healthcare (EHA) Board of Directors and General Supervisor of the Universal Health Insurance Project, participated in the opening activities of the 13th edition of the “Pharmaconex 2026” Exhibition and Conference, held under the auspices of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) from September 1 to 3, 2026, at the Egypt International Exhibitions Center.
The event brought together more than 400 companies and brands from over 50 countries, attracting more than 15,000 visitors and professionals from the pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare sectors.
During his address at the opening session, Dr. Ahmed El Sobky emphasized the importance of localizing pharmaceutical industries and strengthening drug security to support the sustainability of healthcare services. He noted that the General Authority for Healthcare, as a healthcare service provider and the “end user” of medicines and medical products across its facilities, closely monitors developments in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly with the launch of the second phase of the Universal Health Insurance System and the significant increase in demand for and consumption of medicines and medical products associated with its expansion.
Dr. El Sobky commended the strong participation of companies, exhibitors, innovators, and industry leaders at “Pharmaconex 2026,” stressing that the exhibition serves as an important platform for fostering dialogue and integration among the various stakeholders across the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, while promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange.
He highlighted the significant efforts being undertaken by the Egyptian state to localize pharmaceutical and medical products manufacturing, thereby strengthening drug security, reducing reliance on imports, conserving foreign currency, and attracting both domestic and foreign investment.
Dr. El Sobky noted that global challenges and disruptions to supply chains represent a strategic opportunity for Egypt to strengthen its position as a regional hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and trade, as well as a gateway to global markets. He added that Egypt possesses strong competitive advantages that qualify it to assume this role, including its strategic geographic location and access to African, Arab, and European markets, in addition to a domestic market of more than 110 million people, further enhancing its attractiveness for pharmaceutical manufacturing investments and its ability to serve regional and global markets.
Dr. El Sobky pointed out that the global market for pharmaceuticals and medical products is expected to exceed USD 2.6 trillion by 2030, growing at an estimated rate of 5% to 8%. He emphasized that this growth presents significant opportunities for investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing, trade, and supporting industries.
He further underscored the importance of integrating the efforts of state institutions, healthcare authorities, and the pharmaceutical industry to advance localization and sustainably meet the needs of the healthcare system. He noted that the localization rate of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Egypt has exceeded 91%, with a target of surpassing 95% in the near term, while increasing pharmaceutical exports from more than USD 3 billion to USD 6 billion by 2030.
Dr. El Sobky concluded by emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration among all relevant stakeholders to support Egypt’s national efforts to localize pharmaceutical and medical products industries, strengthen the capacity of the national pharmaceutical industry to meet domestic market needs, and expand exports and access to regional and global markets.
Following his participation in the opening session, Dr. El Sobky conducted an inspection tour of the exhibition accompanying “Pharmaconex 2026,” where he reviewed the latest products, solutions, and technologies presented by participating companies across the pharmaceutical and medical products sectors. He also explored the sector’s latest innovations and developments, stressing the importance of keeping pace with global advancements to support the continuous development of the healthcare system and enhance the quality of services provided to citizens.
The opening of “Pharmaconex 2026” was attended and witnessed the participation of Dr. Ali El Ghamrawy, Chairman of the Egyptian Drug Authority; Dr. Hisham Sateet, Chairman of the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply and Medical Technology Management; Dr. Tarek El Houby, Chairman of the National Food Safety Authority; Dr. Mohy Hafez, Chairman of the Medical Industries Export Council; Dr. Gamal El Leithy, Chairman of the Egyptian Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industries; and Dr. Hany Khafagy, General Manager of Informa Markets, alongside a distinguished group of leaders, experts, and specialists from the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
