Medicines such as emergency and life-saving drugs will be manufactured in Bahrain, as two factories gear up to start production by the end of this year.

The multi-million dollar projects at the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) include Bahrain Pharma, which will produce multivitamin capsules and tablets, and Gulf Biotech that will produce injection vials.

Bahrain Pharma, worth $50 million, will undergo the first inspection visit by the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) by the end of the month.

Meanwhile, $80 million Gulf Biotech, a joint initiative between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, will undergo its final inspection in April and will start production by the end of the year.

NHRA chief executive Dr Maryam Al Jalahma said the two projects will establish Bahrain as an exporter of emergency drugs in the region and abroad.

“Bahrain is going to witness a huge development in the economy of the health sector with these two projects,” she told the GDN, our sister publication.

“We have witnessed a lot of developments already in terms of new facilities like medical centres and two hospitals in 2019.

“But the need for medication is an issue worldwide and the region needs those medications, especially the injectable ones, some of which are life-saving.

“So, this will be enhancing the economy and making medicine available not only to Bahrain but to the region as well, because these factories are going to export their products to the Middle East, North Africa and even the US.

“The (factories have) already done their communications with investors and healthcare agencies outside Bahrain.”

The projects were scheduled for last year but were delayed due to administrative issues faced by the investors, explained Dr Al Jalahma.

“These factories were supposed to be opened one year ago, but were delayed due to technical issues with the administration as they have a new management to run and operate the two facilities,” she said.

“Now they have requested the NHRA for inspection, and the first inspection visit to the multivitamin plant will be by the end of the month and the final inspection for the other project will be in April.

“By end of the year we will have the first locally produced medicines.”

Two more proposals for similar projects are also being studied by the NHRA, which Dr Al Jalahma said reflected Bahrain’s investor-friendly approach.

“We have another two proposals for similar projects submitted, which we are studying, as they are looking for location to set up their drug manufacturing units,” she revealed.

“Most of these investors who have dealt with us have commented on the facilities offered by the Bahrain government in terms of support from Tamkeen, in buying equipment and employing Bahrainis, and the clear and straightforward regulations developed by the NHRA and its co-operation.”

Dr Al Jalahma was speaking to the GDN after she received chief executive of the projects Dr Riad Mohammed Al Ashban in her Seef office along with NHRA’s pharmaceutical regulations head Dr Roya Al Abasi, where she confirmed preparations were in “full swing” for the opening of the factories.