Pharmaceutical sectors in India and Africa face capacity and access challenges

The global pharmaceutical landscape is facing distinct challenges regarding capacity and accessibility. In India, the 75th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress has set a goal to transform the nation from the ‘Pharmacy of the World’ into a ‘Pharma Powerhouse @2047’. While India is the world’s third-largest pharmaceutical industry by volume, it ranks eleventh in exports by value. Experts emphasize that the focus must shift from mere production capacity to scientific capability, ensuring that knowledge and reliable supply chains remain intact during the transition from development to large-scale manufacturing.

In Africa, a report by the Access to Medicine Foundation indicates that the primary barrier to affordable medicine is not just a lack of production, but systemic issues. Fragmented markets, inconsistent regulatory requirements, unpredictable demand, and weak procurement systems prevent manufacturers from scaling supply. While companies like Aspen Pharmacare, Cipla, and Viatris are adapting to local needs, the report concludes that coordinated action between stakeholders is necessary to ensure life-saving generic medicines reach patients sustainably.