Healthcare systems in the Middle East are undergoing notable advancements, emphasizing enhancements in accessibility, quality, and efficiency through diverse reforms and technological advancements. This evolution is headed by forward-thinking leaders within the industry. Dr. Ossama Abbas shines prominently among these esteemed healthcare visionaries, showcasing exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence.
As the CEO of Orchidia pharmaceutical ind., he has made remarkable contributions to the advancement of the Egyptian pharmaceutical industry. His journey reflects his resilience and vision, demonstrating how passion and determination can lead to transformative success.
Originally trained in medicine, Dr. Abbas’s career took an unexpected turn, leading him to explore diverse opportunities in various sectors, including tourism. However, it was his pivotal decision to venture into the pharmaceutical trade that marked the beginning of a remarkable journey of innovation and growth.
Securing an agency for Ciba Vision was a turning point for Dr. Abbas, propelling him into the specialized field of eye care products. Recognizing the limitations of the agency model, he took bold steps to establish his own line of products, leveraging his medical background and industry connections to drive success.
Through strategic investments in research and development, coupled with a relentless commitment to quality, Dr. Abbas and his team at Orchidia Pharmaceutical have achieved incredible milestones. Starting from humble beginnings, they have built a state-of-the-art production facility and expanded their product lines to become a leading player in Egypt, commanding significant market share. Their success extends beyond national borders, with a growing presence in over 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
Dive into the story of Dr. Abbas that highlights his instrumental role in driving double-digit growth and cementing Orchidia’s reputation as a trusted provider of high-quality healthcare products.
Quality Healthcare for All
Dr. Abbas’s inspiration for pursuing a career in pharmaceuticals stems from his deep-rooted concern for people’s health and well-being. He recognized the importance of addressing the healthcare needs of individuals, especially in regions where access to affordable medicine might be a challenge due to trade dynamics. His belief in providing high-quality healthcare locally, at prices accessible to all, motivated him to establish Orchidia Pharmaceutical.
At first, there was skepticism about the quality of local products compared to imported ones. However, Orchidia’s commitment to quality soon won over skeptics, not only in Egypt but also in other developing regions like West Africa and the Middle East. This acceptance further fueled Dr. Abbas’s determination to continue leading Orchidia.
Despite his lengthy tenure in the industry, Dr. Abbas remains driven by the opportunity to inspire those around him and to innovate within the market. He sees retirement as an opportunity to pass on his knowledge and vision to the next generation of leaders, ensuring the continuation of his legacy. This sense of purpose and fulfillment motivates him, fostering a sense of happiness and creativity in his work.
Quality as a Cornerstone
Dr. Abbas focuses on Orchidia’s proactive approach to addressing challenges faced by the Egyptian industry. Recognizing the importance of research and development (R&D), Orchidia allocates a significant portion of its income—3%—to R&D efforts. This investment ensures that the company remains competitive in the market and maintains high-quality standards, even amidst multinational competition.
Quality is a cornerstone of Orchidia’s operations, allowing them to carve out a distinct position in the Middle East market. By leveraging their in-house R&D capabilities and prioritizing quality control, Orchidia has successfully developed a range of generic products that meet international standards. Their commitment to excellence extends beyond mere replication, as they have developed proprietary production techniques to enhance product efficacy and safety.
The company employs in-process quality control, utilizing sampling methods to ensure that products adhere to predefined standards throughout production. This verification takes place simultaneously with the manufacturing process. The integration of technology enables swift and effective testing procedures.
Three-Tiered Approach to Quality Assurance
Dr. Abbas highlights Orchidia’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality assurance through a three-tiered approach.
Firstly, the company prioritizes quality control, ensuring that their team is well-trained and equipped with state-of-the-art tools for conducting analyses and online quality control tests. They adhere rigorously to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) methods to uphold product integrity.
Secondly, Orchidia implements a second level of quality assurance, overseen by qualified professionals who have undergone extensive training, both domestically and internationally. These individuals, often holding PhDs, are certified in total quality management and play a crucial role in upholding stringent quality standards.
Third, Orchidia has established a compliance committee, comprising experts at the third level of quality management. This committee, led by seasoned professionals, ensures that the company remains in full compliance with industry regulations and standards.
Revolutions in Eye Care Products
Dr. Abbas shares Orchidia’s innovative contributions to the industry, particularly in the realm of eye care products. One significant achievement is the introduction of single-dose formulations for lubricants and anti-allergics to the Egyptian market, as well as preservative- free eye drops. These innovations have had a profound impact, setting new standards in the industry and prompting others to follow suit.
By pioneering the concept of preservative-free eye drops, Orchidia addressed concerns about the potential side effects of preservatives in solutions. This breakthrough not only revolutionized treatment methods but also sparked interest among medical professionals and researchers. Orchidia’s support for studies and collaboration with doctors and universities led to the development of ocular surface disorder (OSD) medicine.
Dr. Abbas’s view on leadership and creativity focuses his belief on pushing boundaries and driving innovation. He recognizes that true creativity lies in constantly challenging oneself to think outside the box and pioneer new solutions. Orchidia’s track record of innovation and commitment to advancing medical devices and medicines reflect Ossama’s leadership philosophy and the company’s dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for all.
Focus on Quality and Market Leadership
Dr. Abbas discusses Orchidia’s strategic shift towards expanding into new markets and product lines while maintaining a focus on their core expertise in ophthalmic products. Recognizing that sustained growth necessitates international expansion, Orchidia is eyeing entry into the European market. By selling in Europe and subjecting their products to European quality standards, Orchidia aims to further enhance its reputation for quality and excellence.
Orchidia is leveraging its experience and legacy in the pharmaceutical industry to venture into new sectors, such as food supplements and cosmetics. While acknowledging the challenges of innovating in these fields, Orchidia focuses on providing products that meet the body’s needs in the most effective form. For instance, their food supplements are designed to optimize absorption within the body, demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and efficacy.
In the cosmetics segment, Orchidia is carving out a niche by emphasizing quality and excellence. While they may not have a wide range of innovative products, their focus on developing high-quality formulations, such as sunblocks, through rigorous R&D has positioned them as leaders in certain markets.
For the future, Orchidia aims to replicate its success in different countries, striving to become market leaders in each territory they enter. By taking a gradual, country-by-country approach, Orchidia aims to solidify its market-leading position not only in Egypt but also in other regions in Africa and the Middle East.
Advice for Leading in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Dr. Abbas’s advice to aspiring leaders in the pharmaceutical industry emphasizes the paramount importance of quality. He stresses that dedicating a significant portion of income—specifically, at least 10%—to quality assurance is essential. This investment encompasses not only financial resources but also time, training, and commitment to upholding stringent quality standards.
Central to Dr. Abbas’s philosophy is the understanding that leaders in this industry are entrusted with safeguarding people’s health. Therefore, prioritizing quality across all aspects of operations is non-negotiable. He stresses the need to embed a quality-centric mindset within the organizational culture, placing quality at the forefront of decision-making processes. In Dr. Abbas’s view, quality should not be considered merely as a box to check but as a fundamental principle that guides every aspect of the business.
While acknowledging the importance of financial considerations such as cash flow, Dr. Abbas warns against compromising quality for the sake of cost-saving measures. He cautions against prioritizing economic efficiency over quality, emphasizing that the pursuit of short- term gains can ultimately undermine the reputation and success of the organization in the long run.
Dr. Abbas’s advice serves as a plain reminder that in the pharmaceutical industry, quality is not just a goal but a moral imperative—a commitment to the well-being and safety of those who rely on the products and services provided by the company.
Empowering Economy through Healthcare Excellence
Dr. Abbas’s philosophy revolves around the belief that investing in healthcare not only generates profits but also contributes significantly to national development. He emphasizes that providing quality healthcare enables individuals to lead productive lives, thus driving the progress of the country.
Orchidia’s approach to sourcing raw materials and exporting finished products demonstrates a balanced strategy that benefits both the company and the nation. With imported raw materials constituting less than 10% of their costs, Orchidia minimizes reliance on foreign resources, thereby safeguarding against fluctuations in foreign currency. This stability ensures consistent supply to customers, both domestically and internationally, regardless of currency challenges.
By prioritizing local production and adding value to their products, Orchidia not only contributes to the economy but also enhances the country’s self-sufficiency and resilience.
