Ghana Healthtech Startup mPharma Partners With Belayab Pharmaceuticals to Enter Its Eighth Market

mPharma, a health tech startup based in Ghana that manages prescription drug inventory for pharmacies and their suppliers, has signed a franchise agreement with Belayab Pharmaceuticals PLC to increase patient access to affordable and quality medications in Ethiopia, through its subsidiary, Haltons Limited.

Through this agreement, mPharma will leverage its technology platforms, insights, and extensive experience working with hospitals and retail pharmacies across Africa to help Ethiopia achieve universal medical coverage to all its patients.

Robel Minassie, Managing Director & Shareholder of Belayab Pharmaceuticals explains that the partnership is pivotal to assisting the Ethiopian public in accessing much-needed medical care and medication.

“Ethiopia’s healthcare needs are growing in volume and complexity by the day. It is therefore critical to craft strong partnerships that move us closer to providing quality and broad healthcare coverage for the country. We are proud to be partnering with mPharma through their Haltons subsidiary to achieve improved healthcare in the country.”

Benefits for Ethiopians

Based on the agreement, the healthtech will use its technology platform, insights, and extensive experience to assist Ethiopia in providing affordable medication. As a result of this partnership, two operational pharmacies will be built in Addis Ababa this year. Each of these pharmacies will reportedly offer Mutti-mPharma’s health membership program to patients in Ethiopia. 

The membership will enable insured and uninsured patients to access discounts on their medication and access financing options that provide support to the costly burdens surrounding medication.

Michael Ghebru, Shareholder, Belayab Pharmaceuticals provides insight into the implementation of Halton Pharmacies in Ethiopia. 

“The entrance of Haltons Pharmacy will give patients a larger selection and convenience in Ethiopia through a consistent list of options at each location. Pharmacies in Ethiopia are largely driven by family businesses and there is a lack of consistent availability of products throughout the country. Haltons will be a crucial driver to help deliver critical drugs and products to patients throughout the country, including underserved areas.” 

mPharma

Founded in 2013 by Gregory Rockson, Daniel Shoukimas, and James Finucane aims to increase patient access to affordable high-quality medications.

In 2019 the company acquired Kenya’s second-largest pharmacy chain, Haltons, and now manages 27 pharmaceutical stores in the country. The healthtech is operational in Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, Rwanda, and Kenya with over 300 partner pharmacies. 

Gregory Rockson, CEO mPharma provides insight into the aims of the healthtech and its expansion into Ethiopia. 

“mPharma is connecting and empowering an inclusive universal medical coverage that benefits everyone in Africa by making access to healthcare affordable and safe. We are excited to be entering the Ethiopian market in partnership with Belayab Pharmaceuticals as we continue to build our long-standing commitment to partnerships for the good health of patients. This is an opportunity to develop a commercially-sustainable and scalable health impact in Ethiopia by improving access to quality essential medicines that will help the society-at-large so that everyone can benefit from affordable and safe treatment.”