Baghdad: Today's newspapers focus on Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani's confirmation of well-planned strategies to move toward exporting Iraqi-made medicines abroad, following his inauguration of a cancer drug facility and the launch of construction works for a viral vaccines production plant. According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Zawraa newspaper reported that the Prime Minister inaugurated a cancer medication factory, costing 45 million USD, at the Modern Pharmaceutical Industries Company, a major private-sector project. He also announced the start of a 70-million-USD project to manufacture viral vaccines for hepatitis, influenza, and the triple vaccine (mumps, polio, and rubella). Al-Sudani emphasized that this step aligns with the government's approach to localizing pharmaceutical industries, launched three years ago. He noted that the new factory will strengthen pharmaceutical security in Iraq by providing cancer treatment locally. In its first phase, it will produce oral cancer drugs for s everal types of cancer, while the second phase, planned for completion by the end of 2026, will focus on producing intravenous cancer medications. He added that domestic production of medicines has increased to cover more than 40% of 'Kimadia's' needs, pointing out that work continues in pharmaceutical industrial zones in Samarra and Al-Yusufiyah. Al-Sudani also stated that Iraq imported around 4.2 billion USD worth of medicines and medical supplies in 2023, describing the rise in imports as a negative indicator that must be reversed by empowering the capable private sector, which brings advanced global technologies into the country and reduces financial burdens. He stressed the government's commitment to ensuring job guarantees for pharmacy graduates within the private sector, as well as enforcing the Social Security and Retirement Law - a move praised by Arab and international labor organizations for its role in reducing unemployment and enhancing labor protections.