Standard no longer a problem

Drugs are widely different from other fast-moving consumer goods, as their production is subject to the approval of competent authorities. “We have no choice but to comply with high standards and facilitate strict inspections of our company by the relevant departments,” said Li Wensheng, General Manager of Humanwell Healthcare in Mali.

From design to plant construction, from indoor environmental control - including air and water quality - to daily operations, everything must comply with some of the highest manufacturing standards.

Humanwell Healthcare now plans to support African countries in creating their own pharmaceutical standards. But this takes time and getting started without proper preparation could only hinder local pharmaceutical development in the medium to long term. “Rather than setting a local standard, we think it is better to raise