Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani on Saturday inaugurated a 45 million USD cancer medications plant operated by the Modern Company for Drugs Industries, and launched construction of a 75 million USD facility to produce viral vaccines.
The new oncology plant is among the most advanced in the Middle East, equipped with technology from leading global manufacturers. The project is part of the government’s push to localise pharmaceutical production and reduce reliance on imports.
The plant will initially produce oral cancer medicines, including treatments for gastrointestinal, lung, urinary tract, haematological and gland-related cancers. A second phase, due by end-2026, will add an injectable oncology drug unit.
Eight cancer medications have already been registered, with agreements in place for two more in coordination with the Ministry of Health.
Al-Sudani noted that Iraq has registered 2,000 medicines, now covering more than 40% of Kimadia’s needs. He said the country’s 4.189 billion USD annual bill for imported medicines is unsustainable, stressing the private sector’s capability to meet domestic demand using modern technology.
He added that the government is working to expand pharmaceutical manufacturing zones in Samarra and Al-Yusufiyah, support local producers, and create jobs for pharmacy graduates. Iraq also plans to begin exporting medicines once production scales up.
Source: Iraqi PMO
- Published: 02 December, 2025
- Location: Baghdad
- Country: Iraq
- Editor: Nour Ghanem
- Category: Health
