Batna pharmaceutical plant over 75% built, Saidal says

The public group Saidal is building a pharmaceutical plant in Batna that will make raw materials for paracetamol and aspirin, and work is over 75% complete.

Algérie 360 reported on the first edition of the Pharmanova Expo trade fair, held in Batna. Younes Bouarara, director general of Saidal, said Batna is set to become a regional hub for the pharmaceutical raw materials industry.

He said work is under way on three large production units in the town.

The first plant

The first plant will make inputs, the raw materials used to produce paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid, known as aspirin. The plant is described as the first of its kind in Africa.

Delivery and the start of operation are due within nine months at most. The plant covers about 6,000 square metres, and the total investment is about 675m dinars (DZD).

Once it opens, the plant will have a capacity of 2,000 tonnes a year. That is enough to cover national needs in full, with any surplus available for export.

Two more units

A second unit, with a capacity of four tonnes a year, will make raw materials for heart medicines, diabetes medicines and anti-inflammatory medicines.

A third unit, launched in 2024, makes insulin crystals. Its annual capacity is 1,500 kg.

A deal with a Chinese group

Ouacim Kouidri, minister of pharmaceutical industry, oversaw the signing of a partnership agreement. It was signed between the Algerian company Pharma Invest, of El-Eulma, and the Chinese group Yangtze River (YRPG).

The deal covers the transfer of expertise and modern technology. Its aim is to master the production of raw materials and innovative medicines.

Pharma Invest plans to sign an agreement with Saidal soon for the production and distribution of high-value medicines.

The minister said these projects support the country's health sovereignty and move national industry towards advanced technology.