News Release Archive
NEWS RELEASE (CNS876) -->> HEALTH--FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR MANUFACTURING STERILE SOLUTIONS HEALTH--FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR MANUFACTURING STERILE SOLUTIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------- A feasibility study to determine the possibility of manufacturing intravenous and sterile solutions in Nova Scotia for hospital use, will be conducted by Quivsol International Incorporated in cooperation with the Department of Health, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre and the Economic Renewal Agency. Health Minister Bernie Boudreau announced the feasibility study today at the Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations annual conference. The study will determine the financial payback and amount of import substitution attainable by constructing a mini-plant in the province to manufacture a variety of sterile solutions. "It's estimated that we spend between $8 million an $12 million a year on sterile solutions and injectables for our hospital system," said Mr. Boudreau. "We believe we could save millions of dollars, create jobs and cut health care costs if it is deemed feasible to build a mini-plant here in Nova Scotia." Economic Renewal Minister Richie Mann said: "The province is leading a team of public and private sector partners aggressively pursuing opportunities in the pharmaceutical and health care sector ... we have the right investment climate and skilled workforce to compete for projects like the one Quivsol is planning." The feasibility study will include a cost analysis for the design, installation and certification of a mini-plant which can often be integrated within the existing premises of a hospital. The Quivsol mini-plant process manufactures sterile solutions by mixing the raw materials with sterile water and sending the resulting solution in mixing vessels to filling machines in the custom manufacturing area. The solutions are then put in containers which include bags, bottles, vials and ampoules. The entire manufacturing process is guided by a strict quality assurance program. Halifax ranked first in a KPMG cost comparison study of the best place for pharmaceutical business among selected North American cities. Nova Scotia currently purchases most of its sterile solutions from Ontario, Quebec and the United States. The feasibility study will cost $34,300 and is due to be complete by the end of January 1997. Quivsol is a Canadian company based in London, Ont. -30- Contact: Sue McKeage 902-424-3581 trp Nov. 29, 1996 - 4:20 p.m.