US pharmaceutical companies interested in supporting innovation in Algeria's healthcare sector

Speakers at the high-level forum organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Algeria on the theme of "Stimulating innovation through strategic cooperation between Algeria and the United States" affirmed the willingness of American pharmaceutical companies to contribute to the development of an innovative and sustainable healthcare system, in a context marked by rapid advances in medical technology.

In this context, Ryan Palsrok, Chargé d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Algeria, highlighted "the ability of American companies to transfer cutting-edge science and technology to Algeria through close cooperation with professionals, institutions and ministries, with a view to stimulating growth in the healthcare sector".

He also emphasised that "long-standing and multidimensional bilateral economic relations are developing in several sectors, including energy, agriculture and technology," adding that this "forum will help to continue this momentum and strengthen cooperation in the vital area of healthcare."

On this occasion, the American diplomat reaffirmed his country's support for initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral economic relations and encouraging innovation.

For his part, Warren Murdoch, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Algeria, said that "the holding of this forum reflects a shared ambition to strengthen the healthcare system in Algeria through responsible, sustainable and world-class pharmaceutical innovation."

He also emphasised that "innovation is no longer just a driver of growth, but a pillar of national health resilience and an essential tool for strengthening industrial competitiveness, on which modern health systems rely, thanks to their ability to adapt and integrate scientific and technological advances".

After discussing the profound transformation that the pharmaceutical industry is undergoing worldwide, particularly through research, artificial intelligence-supported development, digital health and smart industrialisation, the President of the Chamber praised "the reforms initiated by Algeria and the investments dedicated to modernising the healthcare system", believing that they "offer a promising foundation for accelerating scientific progress and strengthening local capacities, but also pave the way for sustainable skills development and greater integration into international value chains."

The Vice-President of the Chamber and Director of an American laboratory in Algeria, Doria Oughlis, said that the participation of American pharmaceutical companies in this forum reflects their desire to promote joint action to accelerate effective access to innovation for the benefit of patients, indicating that Algerian-American cooperation in the field of health and health innovation is "strategic", especially as it enables the provision of innovative treatments.

During this meeting, speakers highlighted the role of pharmaceutical companies in strengthening innovation as a socio-economic value and in establishing a sustainable environment conducive to innovation, including the protection of patents and the consolidation of national capacities for clinical research.

It should be noted that representatives from several ministerial departments, the rector of the University of Medical Sciences, Merzak Ghernaout, the president of the Algerian Economic Renewal Council (CREA), Kamel Moula, the representative of the Customs Directorate General, representatives of professional organisations, and several experts and teacher-researchers attended the forum.