Universities urged to focus on practical skills

Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries is a branch of The Aga Khan Development Network. John Tugume talked to Mr Nazeem Mohamed, the chief executive officer, about the sensitive job of producing quality life-saving drugs.

How many people does KPI employ?
KPI employs around 270 staff which includes around 140 casuals. Around 45 per cent of our workers are women.

How does KPI motivate its staff since they are key o the success of the company?
KPI, being a part of the Aga Khan Development Network has professional management and governance structures, which allows for all staff to actively participate in its success. Other measure to motivate staff include having clear goals and targets set for all, constant training both on the job and classroom type, giving skills necessary for their jobs and for life in general.
Our major focus is also on employees’ welfare and our remuneration package includes recognition for long service, outstanding performance and innovation

Many firms fail to celebrate their first anniversary.What has been behind the success of KPI?
Success of KPI is due to committed and trusted staff, committed leadership driven by continuous improvement in efficiency, good quality and affordable products, focused on satisfying the customer.

What checks does KPI have in place to ensure that your employees consistently adhere to the health standards of drug manufacturers?
We have in place a programme of continuous training of all employees in current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP), there are also frequent checks by the National Drug Authority on our adherence to cGMP.

What are some of the emerging industry challenges faced by KPI and other local manufacturers?
We face many challenges since almost 85 per cent of the medicines we consume in Uganda and in the EAC are imported! Many of the imported products are subsidised by their governments so they can be sold here at artificially lower prices, thus creating unfair competition.
We need our institutes of higher education to teach more practical knowledge to our science student so that they can be motivated to join the pharmaceutical industry.

The cost of malaria medication continues to be high, especially for some rural households that depend on a few breadwinners who even earn less. How do you think drugs can be made affordable in the future?
We need a long term strategy to support local manufacturing and thus reduce our reliance on imported medicines. We need to improve our level of skills in pharmaceuticals, by making sure that universities focus on giving practical skills and not just theoretical.