LEBANON – Lebanon’s First Lady, Nehmat Aoun, has called for greater support and investment in the country’s pharmaceutical industry, stressing that locally manufactured medicines meet international quality standards and can help reduce healthcare costs.
Her remarks came during visits on Thursday to PharmaLine’s factory in Nahr Ibrahim and Alpha Laboratories in Suheil, where she examined production processes and the role of local manufacturers in meeting Lebanon’s pharmaceutical and medical needs.
At PharmaLine, Aoun toured the production facilities and met with company officials, including Dr. Carol Abi Karam, Head of the Syndicate of Pharmaceutical Industries in Lebanon. She highlighted the ability of Lebanese manufacturers to compete in international markets despite ongoing challenges.
Aoun also encouraged investors to explore opportunities in Lebanon and urged young people to use their skills and education to build their futures in the country.
She stressed that expanding local medicine production could help lower costs and make essential treatments more accessible to citizens. She also called for stronger cooperation between foreign pharmaceutical companies, the Ministry of Public Health, and Lebanese manufacturers to exchange expertise and attract investment.
At Alpha Laboratories, Aoun toured the facilities and learned about the production of sera and other medical supplies. She also met with employees, doctors, and young professionals.
Following the visits, she emphasized the need for a clear strategy to support the pharmaceutical sector, adding that Lebanese factories have continued to develop their operations and employ young professionals despite the country's difficulties.
She also called on the public to trust locally manufactured medicines, noting that their quality has encouraged major international manufacturers to establish partnerships with Lebanese companies.
Aoun concluded by reaffirming that supporting local pharmaceutical production is essential to ensuring access to quality medicines at affordable prices while strengthening Lebanon's industrial capacity.
