South African listed pharmaceutical company Aspen Pharmacare (APN) - the leading global player in generic anti-retrovirals (ARVs) - has opened a one million rand wellness centre in the Eastern Cape.

Through a public-private partnership, Aspen's investment in the establishment of the Wells Estate Wellness Centre will enhance the primary healthcare services at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's Wells Estate Clinic, the company said.

"Aspen has remained committed to finding a meaningful solution to the HIV/Aids blight for years. Our world class oral solid dose facility in Port Elizabeth has been accredited by the US Food and Drug Administration, the Medicines Control Council, the World Health Organisation and the United Kingdom's Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority."

"This endorsement enables Aspen to manufacture cost effective, quality generic ARVs in fighting the scourge of HIV/Aids," said Aspen CEO Stephen Saad said.

At the opening of the centre, Werner van Rensburg, Aspen's Group Operations Director said Aspen remains committed to investing and expanding in the Eastern Cape.

These initiatives include the construction of a 200 million rand sterile injectible facility which also requires improved skills development of the highly qualified employees positioned in these technically advanced facilities.

Van Rensburg indicated that the new centre will provide for the treatment of chronic diseases and also includes a dental clinic. Once accreditation is secured, this centre will also serve as a fully functional HIV/Aids facility focusing on treatment, counselling, education, home based care, nutrition and administering of ARVs.