Cipla Uganda Halts Drug Exports To Zambia

Pharmaceutical outfit Cipla Uganda has suspended exports to Zambia as a result of outstanding debts.

According to media reports Zambia has unpaid invoices worth almost $12 million over two years, which have resulted in losses for the company. 

The development comes against a backdrop of intense pressure on the industry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Having won a contract with South Africa and the World Health Organisation to supply antiretroviral and anti-malarial drugs the company said it remained positive about its business outlook elsewhere. The Ugandan firm is also in advanced talks with 16 countries regarding possible expansion.

Commenting on the company’s situation CiplaQCIL CEO Nevin Bradford stated, “The company is relentlessly focussed on driving shareholder value through increased revenues and profitability. Even though it was business unusual during the COVID-19 pandemic, CiplaQCIL was fortunate to operate without interruption and even managed to improve attendance and productivity levels during this period. The new financial year 2020/2021 has presented opportunities in increasing the customer base with orders from Botswana for 2.3 million doses of ARVs for adults living with HIV.”

“The 2019/2020 financial year was a challenging year especially given the Zambia issues and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. We can be proud though despite numerous challenges, CiplaQCIL continues to deliver on its ethos of “Caring for Life” by producing quality, affordable medicines to ensure that people have access to life-saving medication,” he continued.