National production of drugs: Egypt

The evolution of the Egyptian drug industry and of the policies adopted at several stages is reviewed. This is followed by reflections on the impact of Egypt's socio-economic environment on each of the stages, marking advances and constraints. The article then takes up the contribution of the pharmaceutical industry to national needs and assesses the impact of its changing relationship with the international drug manufacturers. The paper concludes with a review of the current dilemmas facing the Egyptian drug industry in the light of the current economic difficulties and political shifts. © 1983.