Buraidah, October 10, 2024 – In a significant step toward advancing Saudi Arabia’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, paid a visit to the logistics center of the National Unified Procurement Company for Medicines, Devices, and Medical Supplies (NUPCO). The facility, located in Qassim's Second Industrial City, operates under the umbrella of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), serving as a vital hub for medical procurement and supply chain management in the Kingdom.
During the visit, Alkhorayef engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and NUPCO. He stressed the importance of strengthening the local pharmaceutical and vaccine industries, aligning these efforts with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. This vision aims to reduce dependence on foreign imports, increase local production, and position Saudi Arabia as a leader in critical sectors such as healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Alkhorayef highlighted NUPCO's critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the organization proved instrumental in ensuring a consistent supply of essential medical goods and equipment. He commended the company for its contribution to bolstering the nation's healthcare infrastructure, particularly during such challenging times. Looking ahead, the Minister expressed the Ministry’s commitment to forging stronger partnerships with private sector entities like NUPCO, emphasizing that such collaborations are key to fostering the development of strategic national industries, with a special focus on pharmaceuticals and vaccines.
Founded in 2009, NUPCO has emerged as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's healthcare procurement system. The company is dedicated to streamlining medical procurement processes, optimizing healthcare outcomes, and reducing government spending on medical supplies. By offering state-of-the-art logistics solutions, NUPCO plays a pivotal role in maintaining a reliable and cost-effective supply chain for medical products across the Kingdom.
In line with Saudi Vision 2030, NUPCO is actively contributing to the development of the nation’s industrial capabilities by prioritizing locally manufactured products, supporting domestic industries, and generating employment opportunities. The company’s efforts to modernize its warehouses and implement rigorous safety standards for the storage of medical supplies further underscore its commitment to enhancing the efficiency and safety of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector. Additionally, NUPCO’s use of advanced digital platforms for procurement and distribution improves supply chain management, reducing costs while increasing transparency and accountability.
NUPCO’s dedication to prioritizing local products not only strengthens the national economy but also ensures the sustainability of the healthcare supply chain. This approach aligns with the broader goals of Vision 2030 by promoting job creation, boosting national industries, and maintaining high safety and quality standards for medical storage. As a result, the company is helping to realize the vision of a robust, self-sufficient healthcare sector, ultimately leading to significant cost savings for the Kingdom's healthcare system.
