ETHIOPIA – Haltons pharmacy, a retail pharmacy chain dispensing prescription and non-prescription pharmaceutical products has opened a branch in Addis Ababa, becoming the latest Kenyan entity to make entry into the neighboring country.

Ghanaian health tech startup mPharma signed a franchise agreement with Belayab Pharmaceuticals in march this year to open Haltons Pharmacies in Ethiopia.

This new outlest is omne of two, which mPharma and Belayab Pharmaceuticals aim to open in Addis Ababa this year.

mPharma acquired Halton, Kenya’s second-largest pharmacy chain, in 2019, taking over control pof the 27 operational stores in Kenya.

The Ethiopian store is located at Sarbet, a suburb in the capital Addis Ababa. The entry also involves Belayab Pharmaceuticals, through a franchise agreement signed in March this year, 2021.

The new pharmacy in Ethiopia is intended to support expanded growth opportunities locally and, in the region, the firms said in a statement.

We are excited to be entering the Ethiopian market in partnership with Belayab Pharmaceuticals as we continue to build our long-standing commitment to partnerships for the good health of patients. This is an opportunity to develop a commercially-sustainable and scalable health impact in Ethiopia by improving access to quality essential medicines that will help the society-at-large so that everyone can benefit from affordable and safe treatment.” Gregory Rockson, CEO mPharma, said.

As the population and economy of Ethiopia continue to grow, the country is investing in strengthening its health systems to improve the standard of health for its people.

Powered by mPharma’s proprietary Bloom technology, the new Haltons Pharmacy in Addis Ababa is expected to provide patients with access to affordable and quality medications, mPharma management notes.

The pharmacy will also launch mutti, mPharma’s health membership program, which provides loyal customers with discounts, free health screenings, and other primary care services.

mPharma is deepening its long-standing commitment to Africa as a whole by increasing access to health care resources in the region. We continue to work with our retail partners to transform community pharmacies into primary care centres that provide value-added services,” Naa Akwetey, Senior vice president, strategy and business development, at mPharma.

The opening of Haltons Pharmacies in Ethiopia is part of mPharma’s ongoing mission to build an Africa in good health by constantly shaping new health care methods to improve treatment standards for every African, it said.

“The entrance of Haltons Pharmacy will give patients a larger selection and convenience in Ethiopia through a consistent list of options at each location. Pharmacies in Ethiopia are largely driven by family businesses and there is a lack of consistent availability of products throughout the country, ‘’ said Michael Ghebru, Shareholder, Belayab Pharmaceuticals.

Kenyan firms have been eying the most populous country in the region, with a population of more than 112 million people, with a major breakthrough being by telecommunication firm Safaricom, in July 2021.

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