Additionally, a system for leasing medical equipment has been devised, and a contract for 11 billion birr has been struck with domestic medication makers. The centrally established procurement standards for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment have begun to be implemented, according to the Ethiopian Drug Supply Service.
It is said that domestic medicine manufacturers can make as much as they like. According to Dr. Abdulkadir Gelgelo, the service’s director general, this is meant to assist domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers. The new rule permits domestic bidders to make their offers within 15 consecutive days, while foreign bidders can do so within 21 days, according to the Director General. More than 200 days were spent in the previous bidding process for the purchase of medications.
He added that because there are few manufacturers of particular cancer medications, the directive permits cooperative procurement with other nations for necessary but little-used medications. The directive permits the purchase of medical equipment through leasing, computerised auctions, contract manufacture, and cooperative procurement with foreign nations, the Director General stated.
He claims that contracts worth 11 billion birr have been awarded to domestic producers, while awards of up to 3 billion birr have come via foreign bidding. Additionally, it has been suggested that domestic producers can sign and work on contracts for up to seven years. Dr. Abdulkadir claims that the supply ratio of domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers has risen from 8% three years ago to 40% at present point. The guideline takes into account the variety of disease types, the low dosage of pharmaceuticals, and the possibility of unanticipated and man-made disasters.
The service declared that the directive, which was designated as directive number 1066/2025, went into force on June 3, 2025.