01.04.2024
Dr. Ossama Abbas is the founder and main shareholder of Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries. Throughout his career, Fouad has been dedicated to creating high-quality pharmaceutical products. This commitment has driven him to focus on developing new policies and procedural protocols to ensure that the pharmaceutical products meet regulatory requirements.
In an exclusive interview with Connect Online – AHK Egypt’s monthly e-newsletter, Fouad discusses the initiatives and projects undertaken by Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries as it expands in local and global markets. Below are excerpts from the interview.
- In today’s highly competitive market, how are you making sure that you maintain your position as one of the leading ophthalmic manufacturing corporations in Egypt
Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries has always had a clear vision of leadership and maintaining it. Above all, we believe that an uncompromising commitment to quality is fundamental to any pharmaceutical company. Our products adhere to the highest international standards and exceed them to provide the highest quality products for the Egyptian market. We also have deep ties with our community, which includes healthcare professionals, patients, and relevant authorities. These ties are based on our commitment to a continued and reliable presence in the Egyptian market. This presence is also increasing, with our pipeline constantly expanding into new and innovative forms, such as SDU, (Single Dose Unit), and into new therapeutic areas, such as nutraceuticals.
- Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries recently signed an agreement with the Suez Economic Zone (SCZONE), with over EGP 1 billion in investments. Could you please tell us more about the projects and what you are expecting from this new investment?
Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries is planning to build a large facility with multiple plants in the SCZONE. This facility will be a hub for our expanding portfolio, but ultimately, it is intended to be a center for manufacturing pharmaceutical products for the region (MENA and Africa). We will be building two facilities, one dedicated to nutraceuticals such as dietary supplements and another dedicated to other therapeutic areas. The (SCZONE) provides synergies that work very well with Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries’ export activities, which will allow us to accelerate our activities in Africa and the Arab world.
- How do you assess the current business environment for Egyptian pharmaceutical companies?
The current business environment in Egypt poses challenges, yet it also presents numerous opportunities. On one hand, challenges arise from tight supply chains, high interest rates, and inflation. On the other hand, the local business environment fosters the localization of industries, particularly those contributing to exports. Leveraging Egypt’s strengths, such as its young and highly skilled workforce, companies can mitigate these challenges by balancing exports and local sales. Addressing challenges related to fixed pricing and regulations remains crucial, and it is encouraging to note that relevant authorities are recognizing and aiming to tackle these issues in the near future.
- You have recently been recognized by the Egyptian Drug Authority for your efforts in increasing the exports of medical supplies, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030. Can you please tell us more about how you are contributing to this vision?
Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries currently exports to 40 countries, offering a comprehensive portfolio tailored to meet each country's specific needs. We are pursuing an ambitious plan to bolster our brand equity by expanding into new markets, particularly those that share natural and strategic ties with Egypt. This includes an expansion into East Africa and all ulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets. Furthermore, we are poised to enter European markets with medical devices, recently inaugurating our presence in Russia.
Our objectives include establishing a solid presence in 50 countries and achieving USD 30 million in sales by 2030. This aligns with Egypt’s strategy to foster an export-driven and self-sufficient economy. Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries remains committed to the Egyptian market while simultaneously expanding into global markets with natural synergies, thereby contributing to the overall economic well-being of the country.
- In a recent partnership, you have donated medical devices to the ophthalmology departments of Assiut University Hospital and Al-Azhar University Branch Hospital. Can you tell us more about how Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries gives back to the Egyptian community?
At Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries, we believe in our duty and commitment to society. Our definition of success extends beyond financial achievements; we define success as serving the community through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Since commencing production in 2009, Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries has actively pursued CSR activities, with a focus on enhancing the infrastructure and services of inpatient clinics and eye care facilities nationwide. Additionally, we have made substantial contributions to the development of various medical devices, including slit lamps, autorefractors, retinoscopes, biometry instruments, Schiøtz tonometers, and ophthalmic ultrasound machines, to improve patient care in ophthalmic hospitals and centers.
In addition to our ongoing donations of medical equipment, Orchidia initiated the “Einek Fi Einena - عنيك فى عنينا" campaign under the supervision of Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, the Prime Minister of Egypt. This initiative is dedicated to raising the standard of community healthcare and eradicating diseases that lead to vision loss, with a focus on some of Egypt’s most remote areas. Since its inception in 2018, the campaign has successfully organized over 3,000 medical convoys, serving more than 1 million patients, conducting 115,000 surgical operations, and providing free treatment and eyeglasses."
- Orchidia is one of the main partners collaborating with the Egyptian government on multiple projects within the pharmaceutical sector. Could you please elaborate on your ongoing collaborations with the government and how the government’s investment efforts and regulations affect the pharmaceutical private sector?
One of our significant collaborations with the government involves offering a continuous medical education program for healthcare professionals in universities and ophthalmic hospitals. Through our wetlab for cataract and glaucoma surgeries, conducted in partnership with key opinion leaders in the ophthalmic field, Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries aims to help healthcare professionals enhance their surgical skills continuously. This partnership is instrumental in creating a new generation of experienced and highly skilled professionals, aligning with our vision of delivering high-quality healthcare across multiple disciplines.
Additionally, we have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with Borg Al Arab Technological University and Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries, aiming to provide students with training on good manufacturing practices. This initiative seeks to integrate practical training with higher education and elevate the skills of fresh graduates in the local workforce.
The Egyptian government has played a pivotal role in creating an environment conducive to our success. This includes maintaining a regulatory framework that ensures the quality of products reaching Egyptian consumers, offering various investment incentives over the last few decades, and supporting local businesses. We have served as a reliable partner in supplying affordable, high-quality products to large government hospitals and institutions supporting universal health insurance.
- March is Women’s Month. Can you elaborate more on the ways in which your business empowers women and contributes to the initiative?
In observance of Women’s Month, Orchidia Pharmaceutical Industries demonstrated its appreciation for its female workforce through various initiatives, including giveaways, celebrations of female achievements, and a heartwarming "bring your child to work" day.
However, these gestures are merely a reflection of our deep belief in the role of women in the workforce. With our workforce women comprising 31% of our leadership, we are committed to creating a safe work environment with equal opportunities for everyone. In support of this commitment, we offer mentorship and training programs for women, early maternity leave, and flexible work arrangements.