by AGBU News
Three hundred scientists and three hundred technicians and laborers are employed at the Mnjoyan Factory in Yerevan. Relying on raw materials from Russia and Eastern Europe, the lack of supplies and the demand for foreign currency has just about stopped production. Producing Gangleron, Quateron, Fubromegan, Arpenal, Mesphinal, Etpenal, Ditlin and Subecholine for hypertension, heart problems and some forms of cancer, Mnjoyan was exporting a portion of their products to other republics in the former Soviet Union.
Sixteen hundred different medications are manufactured in the Soviet Union, none of which are patented. In the last ten years only 30% of the pharmaceutical needs of the population in the former Soviet Union have been supplied. Of that amount 70% was purchased in trade or in rubles from East Germany, Hungary and Czechoslovakia. Last year the Soviet Union ordered 200 million dollars of medicine from abroad. Unable to pay the shipment was cancelled.
Modernizing present facilities to pass foreign food and drug requirements is not feasible. A new sterile plant must be built. The potential for serving the pharmaceutical needs of Armenia while at the same time generating foreign currency income is substantial. The demand for modern medicine can also provide Armenia considerable trade leverage in acquiring critically needed goods. The cost of start up equipment is estimated at $2,000,000. A portion of raw materials will have to be purchased with foreign currency.
