Egypt invests in healthcare independence with blood bag factory in SCZone

EGYPT—Egypt has taken a significant step toward strengthening its healthcare sector by signing a shareholders’ agreement to establish the country’s first factory dedicated to the local production of blood collection bags.

The signing ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, marks a milestone in Egypt’s efforts to localize vital industries and reduce dependence on imports, particularly in the medical field.

The new factory will be built in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) in Ain Sokhna.

The project, valued at EGP 1.4 billion (US$27.6 million) brings together the Egyptian Company for Medical Investments (ECMI), Japanese medical technology leader JMS, and Interpharm Egypt as key partners.

This collaboration is fully supported by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and aligns with Egypt’s national strategy to transfer advanced technology and foster local manufacturing in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors.

Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized that this initiative is not only about meeting Egypt’s healthcare needs but also about positioning the country as a regional hub for medical manufacturing.

The factory is designed to meet 100% of Egypt’s annual demand for blood bags, which are essential for surgeries, emergency care, and the treatment of various diseases.

In addition to serving the local market, the facility aims to boost exports to neighboring countries in the Middle East and North Africa, helping to increase Egypt’s medical exports and generate much-needed foreign currency revenues.

Covering an area of 7,000 square meters, the factory will feature state-of-the-art sterile production areas and modern warehouses to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety.

The facility is expected to ramp up its production over time, with a target of producing seven million blood pouches annually by its seventh year-three million for local use and four million for export.

 This expansion will not only secure Egypt’s self-sufficiency in blood bag supply but also enhance its competitiveness in the regional market.

Furthermore, the strategic choice of Ain Sokhna within the SCZone offers significant advantages.

The location provides access to government incentives and logistical benefits, making it an ideal base for both domestic distribution and international exports.

The project also reflects Egypt’s broader commitment to fostering public-private partnerships and attracting foreign investment in the healthcare sector.