He added that pharmaceutical security is no less important than national or food security, especially in light of current geopolitical and health developments. He stressed the need for countries to reformulate their health security strategies by building an integrated pharmaceutical system that includes strategic drug stockpiles, research and development centers, and support for local manufacturing capacity to meet market needs during emergencies.
Al Saloom stated that investment in the pharmaceutical sector is no longer a developmental option, but a necessity imposed by challenges in global supply chains and reliance on external sources. He affirmed that having an advanced pharmaceutical infrastructure ensures the availability of medicines during crises and enhances countries’ abilities to combat epidemics and protect public health.
He also pointed out that Bahrain seeks to be an active partner in pharmaceutical manufacturing by encouraging Russian investments to establish medicine factories in the Kingdom. This would help meet local market demands and facilitate access to Gulf and regional markets. Additionally, it offers Russian products the advantage of obtaining certifications that comply with the standards of countries that are difficult to access, thereby improving the quality and reach of the industry.
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