Johannesburg: The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Zuko Godlimpi, has called for a resilient health system that prioritises equitable access and sustainable solutions in times of crisis. He emphasised the need for fair and sustainable measures to equip health systems with the necessary “shock absorbers” to withstand future challenges. Godlimpi said it was clear with every health crisis faced as a country, region and world that sustainable ways must be found to strengthen health systems.

According to South African Government News Agency, Godlimpi made these remarks during his address at the Annual General Meeting of the Innovative Pharmaceutical Association South Africa (IPASA), which took place in Johannesburg on Thursday. Reflecting on the impact of recent global health challenges, Godlimpi emphasised that these crises, while affecting all, are not felt equally. ‘The severity of their impact is determined by geopolitical and economic standings, often leaving vulnerable populations to bear
the brunt. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa, under President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership, championed vaccine justice on the world stage, asserting that access to vaccines and essential medicines should be a universal right,’ Godlimpi said.

He called for the development of robust domestic manufacturing capabilities, especially in pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, to reduce reliance on external sources during global emergencies. The creation of a resilient healthcare system would not only secure the health of the population but would also drive job creation and economic growth. ‘By investing in local manufacturing capacity, we secure our sovereignty in healthcare and strengthen our economy. Building a sustainable pharmaceutical industry cannot be achieved by government action alone. We need active participation from industry leaders, multinational corporations, and local innovators alike, and I commend IPASA’s contributions to promoting ethical standards and supporting a patient-ce
ntred healthcare system,’ he said.

Godlimpi mentioned that as part of South Africa’s broader industrial strategy, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) had implemented master plans to drive growth in key sectors. ‘The MedTech Master Plan, launched in May, is one such initiative, aiming to bolster local manufacturing in the medical technology sector. The development of future master plans, including those for pharmaceuticals, biologics, and vaccines, depends on collaboration with multinational corporations and industry stakeholders,’ he said.

Emphasising the importance of local manufacturing, Godlimpi noted that currently, pharmaceutical imports account for a significant trade deficit. ‘However, with the active participation of multinationals in localisation programmes, we can create a more self-reliant healthcare system and reduce our dependency on imports. I also want to highlight opportunities within offset programmes, where foreign suppliers are encouraged to invest in local indust
ry through technology transfer, local hubs, and third-party manufacturing,’ he said.