US-based General Electric is mulling setting up a local factory for the production of radiology contrast dyes, according to a Health Ministry statement. The company plans to produce iodine-based contrast (used in CT scans and angiography) and gadolinium-based contrast (used in MRIs). The first phase of the project will cover 50% of local demand, before gradually expanding to meet all domestic needs.

Why this matters: Egypt currently imports all its radiology contrast agent needs, with annual consumption estimated at 2.3 mn ampoules worth about EGP 1.6 bn. The project will help foot the healthcare industry’s import bill for these radiology materials, ease pressure on FX, strengthen supply security for critical medical inputs, and stabilize local prices.

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