Egypt inaugurated Spectrum Diagnostic Industries' manufacturing facility in the Ismailia Public Free Zone, the first integrated plant in Egypt and the Arab world for rapid diagnostic tests. The project seeks to strengthen domestic production, reduce imports and support exports. Several senior ministers attended the event.
Egypt has inaugurated Spectrum Diagnostic Industries’ manufacturing facility, the first integrated plant in Egypt and the Arab world dedicated to the production of rapid diagnostic tests. The facility is located in the Ismailia Public Free Zone. Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem attended the inauguration alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid, Ismailia Governor Nabil Hasaballah, and Chairperson of the Egyptian Drug Authority Ali El Ghamrawy.
Hashem said the factory represents a strategic step toward localising the production of rapid diagnostic tests used to detect infectious diseases and epidemics, conduct drug screening, and identify cancer biomarkers. He added that local production is expected to generate annual import savings of around $30m while creating opportunities to increase exports.
The minister noted that the project supports Egypt’s healthcare security and positions the country as a regional hub for medical manufacturing. He highlighted coordination among the Ministries of Industry, Health and Population, and Investment and Foreign Trade, together with the Egyptian Drug Authority and the private sector. Pharmaceuticals have been identified as one of seven priority industries under Egypt’s updated industrial strategy.