By Hamu Madzedze
CIMAS Health Group CEO Vulindlela Ndlovu said there is a need to invest in the local pharmaceutical industry to cut down on the high value of pharmaceutical imports.
He revealed this while addressing guests who were attending the International Business conference at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair 2024 in Bulawayo.
Mr Ndlovu said as Cimas Health Group their intent is to maximise on the whole healthcare value chain however zeroing in on the pharmaceutical value chain where there has been an increase in locally manufactured medical consumables and pharmaceuticals is also of importance.
'As the public and private sector we must increase our efforts in mobilising resources towards supporting the local pharmaceutical industry in a bid to reduce the high volume of pharmaceutical imports"he said
The Cimas Health Group CEO added that there is no better time than now to set up the Health Investment Fund whose success will be underpinned by sustainable support given to the manufacturers by both the private and public sector
Photo: Cimas Health Group CEO Vulindlela L Ndlovu
He highlighted that supporting Natpharm will go a long way in assisting the country in improving medicines availability and pricing.
Ndlovu added that Cimas being a private healthcare player they are moving in line with this year's ZITF's theme which is Innovation:The Catalyst to Industrialisation.
He said the medical aid service provider does not underestimate the responsibility it has in contributing towards innovations that can take the country forward hence the launching of their genomic sequencing service this year.
"CIimas Health Group this year will be launching a genomic sequencing service that will enable them to identify individuals who could potentially be at risk of cancer and other chronic diseases and the sequencer will also be able to do wellness and pharmacogenetic testing which in the end helps in the development of precision medicine" said Mr Ndlovu.
At this years' ZITF besides the Group's Exhibition Pavilion there will also be conducting mental health assessments, Body Mass Index(BMI),BP, diabetes and Hpylori screening tests,blood grouping tests and prostate screening and availing of a new mobile clinic.
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