From IPAP: ◦ High penetration of pharmaceutical imports ± 70% ◦ Pharma is a fifth leading driver of current account trade deficit ◦ The country’s over reliance on pharmaceutical imports poses a threat to the security of supply of medicines e.g. the current stock outs ◦ A report was commissioned by the DTI to investigate the Human Capital Outlook Implications for Skills Development in the Pharmaceutical Sector ◦ A number of findings were made of which skills shortage was one of them
Overall strategy/mission for Pharma Industry Growth of industry; Competiveness (quality and financial). Operate where you are competitive Strengthen the whole pharma value chain, e.g. increase the capacity for local manufacture of API’s Innovative and appropriate incentives to strengthen the local production of pharmaceuticals (IPAP 70% ) Exploit opportunities in other African countries Engagement on ongoing and structured basis with all stakeholders. Establish formal platform for continued dialogue More SARChi Chairs in Pharmaceutical Research
Government Policy ◦ Government needs to show commitment to support local industry before foreign procurement. ◦ Develop PPP between industry and government. ◦ Different government departments (DoH, DTI, DST) need to align their objectives. Government support (commitment, funding, tax, subsidy etc.), infrastructure, appropriate market/demand, strategic partnerships (local and international, foundations funding eg Gates) Establishment of a Pharma Industry Training Institute (Collaboration or merging with Institute of Regulatory Science) Strengthen ZAZIBONA to expedite the registrations
Break down silo’s by establishing formal collaborations Make use of existing funding and mechanisms that are currently in place (e.g. Pivotal grants from Seta’s, Public Announcement Fund etc) Make use of current courses/training that are offered by various stakeholders e.g. SAAPI Consider best practices from other countries e.g. India that had a successful industrial trajectory Make use of industry experts to lecture at Varsities Train the trainer (academics) by providing exposure to industry Development of Information System for Pharma HR (e.g. Scientists and other associated skills) – SETA database Invest, without expecting quick returns like in Sasol, Mosgas, Mintek model etc.
Pharmacists: ◦ Placements of community service pharmacists in academia and regulatory institutions. ◦ A review of the internship programme ◦ Strengthening the skills capacity at training institutions by allowing dual appointments and/or partnership between industry and academia ◦ Placement of graduates in industry during their undergraduate study in order to get practical exposure ◦ Coordination of the placements of students through an organization such as a SETA ◦ Creation of a wider pool of skills through course offerings offered through the Institute of Regulatory Science e.g. Masters, PhDs or short courses ◦ Offer Professors sabbatical to spent time with industry ◦ Expose community pharmacist interns to manufacturing ◦ Funding for capacity building and resources for universities
Scientist and associated skills (e.g. production, process, engineers etc.): ◦ Address the lack of information on career paths in the pharma industry ◦ Undergraduate programmes to include training on quality systems e.g. ISO ◦ Knowledge sharing with other industries ◦ Increase skills (also at customs & port health) ◦ Legislation maybe a stumbling block: SA legislation requires pharmacists to oversee the key operations of the pharmaceutical industry ◦ Universities train generalist, exposure after graduation via work place experience (Funding available)
Next steps??