The CBC Central Pharmacy (CP) is a government-authorized pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply institution committed to delivering safe, high-quality health products to Cameroon’s healthcare system. According to Pharm. Munfi Francis, Pharmacist in-charge of Production and Assistant General Manager of CBC Central Pharmacy, CP operates in three main areas: Drug Supply Services, Pharmaceutical Production, and Quality Management.
CP’s production activities are organized across specialized departments. These include Chemical Production, which manufactures sanitary products; Non-Sterile Production, responsible for products such as syrups, gels, creams and ointments; Sterile Production, where eye drops and infusion fluids are produced; and HESCO Water bottling. While some departments are currently operating on a smaller scale, the Sterile Production department remains CP’s most advanced and active production centre.
Authorized by the Government of Cameroon in 2017 to produce pharmaceutical products, CP’s authorization was renewed for the period 2023 to 2029. The institution operates in full compliance with national regulations and international standards, holding Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification, quality certification – ISO certification. CP also runs a strong in-house quality management system, ensuring that both raw materials and finished products are thoroughly tested in its laboratory before reaching clients, whether internal users such as CBC Health Services facilities or external partners.
In the area of infusions manufacturing, CP achieved a major milestone in 2023 by obtaining marketing authorization for five infusion products, all approved for sale on the Cameroonian market. These products are currently used by government, private and other faith-based health institutions as well as the CBC HS facilities.
The infusion plant at CP has a high production capacity, capable of operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with an annual potential output of over 5 million IV bags. However, due to limited market access resulting majorly from competition imposed by imported products and inadequate operational capital, this full capacity has not yet been fully utilized. Despite these challenges, CP has consistently met the needs of the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS), which consumes over 450,000 IV bags annually and other loyal customers within the national territory.
Looking ahead, CP’s strategic goal for 2026 is to increase production to at least 2 million IV bags per year, while also securing additional marketing authorizations for more infusion products. Historically, annual production has ranged between 300,000 and 450,000 IV bags, but measures are currently being put in place to improve access to raw materials and expand market reach.
Although market feasibility and visibility have posed challenges, the quality and reliability of CP products are well established and trusted by government authorities. To address these challenges, CP plans to strengthen its visibility beyond traditional media by expanding partnerships and distribution channels.
CBC Central Pharmacy also actively collaborates with the National Manufacturers Group and the National Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, advocacy bodies that work to improve operating conditions within the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in the country. Through these platforms, CP supports initiatives aimed at reducing taxes on imported raw materials, facilitating key regulatory documentation, and creating a more enabling environment for the pharmaceutical industry to survive, grow, and contribute to national health security.
CBC Central Pharmacy remains committed to strengthening local pharmaceutical production, improving access to quality medicines, and supporting a healthier Cameroon.
