Bahrain’s first pharmaceutical factory to produce syrups, soft capsules, injectable drugs

TDT | Manama

The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) announced the approval for the first-ever pharmaceutical and health products factory in Bahrain, over a virtual press conference held yesterday. NHRA CEO Dr Mariam Adhbi Al Jalahma, Gulf Biotech CEO and Bahrain Pharma board member Dr Riyadh Mohammed Al Ashban, NHRA pharmaceutical product regulation office head Roaya Al Abbasy, and representatives of local newspapers were present at the press conference.

Dr Al Ashban affirmed that the Bahrain Pharma factory will produce forms of syrups and soft capsules, while Gulf Biotech will produce injectable drugs that cover all necessary medicines for emergency situations. For the first time in the Middle East, the drugs produced will be injectable using advanced technology from Bosch, a German company, which guarantees complete technical work without human intervention, said Al Ashban.

He also revealed that the production process in the factory will start in two months and the first batch of pharmaceutical products will be available in the markets in September this year. The factory, spread across 10,000 square meters, is to be set up in the industrial area of Al Hidd. The factory will have a soft capsule production line, a syrup medicine production line, and a storage area for raw materials.

It will also include a water treatment unit, air treatment unit and quality control and testing laboratory. The Gulf Biotech chief and Bahrain Pharma board member stressed that the factory will prioritise employing from the national labour force. “Today we have 20 employees and we expect to raise it to 80 employees later,” he said.

“We will develop an intensive training programme for Bahrainis to increase their capabilities in this field.” Dr Al Jalahma said that, under constant guidance from His Majesty the King and the government, the factory will advance the pharmaceutical sector in Bahrain. NHRA has received more than 400 investment enquiries from inside and outside Bahrain, she added.