Exploring Conditions for Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Various studies of the pharmaceutical industry suggest that the sector is critical for economic growth, access to affordable healthcare, and addressing socio-economic challenges. Recently, public healthcare in South Africa encountered numerous challenges such as the non-availability of vaccinations to deal with the COVID- 19 pandemic. This was due to inter-alia, the lack of manufacturing capabilities resulting in overreliance on imported vaccinations. This study aimed to critically review the growth dynamics of the pharmaceutical healthcare sector in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province in South Africa, by analysing the conditions for the development and growth of the sector. By using a qualitative research design, data was collected from the key players in this sector by conducting five (5) in-depth interviews with purposively selected individuals from the industry. The analysis reveals that there is minimal interest from the government to grow the sector since there is a poor regulatory framework and the KZN province is thus struggling to attract foreign investment in this sector. It also became apparent that a sectorial long-term vision necessitates a skills development plan related to sector demand and addressing socioeconomic challenges. The framework and policies must be linked to this strategy to achieve aggregate productivity growth in the province. Furthermore, the government’s responsiveness to the pharmaceutical sector requires an agile approach to capacitate the industry players and strengthen coherence. The primary implication of this inquiry is that the socioeconomic challenges will persist, resulting in the country relying on foreign aid to grow the sector. Even though the study had limitations regarding the cases reviewed and the scope, it would provide a much-needed practical and theoretical lens for future similar studies.