فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Minister of Health and Social Protection Amine Tahraoui Issues New Directive to Enhance Transparency and Ensure Integrity in Drug Procurement and Distribution in Morocco
In a significant move to bolster transparency and safeguard the pharmaceutical supply chain within Morocco, Minister Amine Tahraoui has called on all clinics and healthcare institutions to procure medicines and health products directly from pharmaceutical companies at hospital prices (PH).
The minister’s new circular highlights that ministry departments have detected numerous violations concerning the marketing of drugs and health products in the national market. This prompted a reiteration of the legal and regulatory framework governing the circulation of these materials, emphasizing strict adherence to all regulations at every stage of drug sale and distribution.
The circular, addressed to the Director General of the Territorial Health Group in Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, directors of the Moroccan Agencies for Medicines and Blood and its derivatives, presidents of the national medical and pharmacists’ councils, and the ministry’s inspector general, stresses the importance of respecting the legal processes throughout drug sales and distribution procedures.
Pharmacists, whether within pharmaceutical establishments, clinics, or private pharmacies, are urged to meticulously track the journey of medicines from manufacturing to patient dispensing. This includes recording batch numbers and expiration dates on invoices and delivery receipts to guarantee drug quality, ensure patient safety, and prevent any manipulations or counterfeiting.
Minister Tahraoui also mandates the retention of all documents and invoices related to purchase and sale operations to facilitate oversight and traceability. Pharmacists must fully comply with any withdrawal or return orders issued by authorities and immediately halt sale, distribution, or dispensing of affected quantities, promptly notifying the Moroccan Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AMMPS) of any irregular activities or supply disruptions that might impact drug availability.
Regarding toxic substances, the minister reiterates compliance with legal provisions related to their importation, trade, possession, and use, stressing the exclusive procurement of registered or licensed products from institutions accredited by the AMMPS.
The directive also prohibits the sale of drugs to unlicensed entities, including associations, clinics, or medical groups, and forbids drug exchanges between pharmacies, distributors, or clinics without lawful delivery documentation in the name of the concerned party. Additionally, it bans drug sales over the internet and social media platforms, requiring strict compliance with laws regulating pharmaceutical advertising and promotion.
For clinics, the decision requires them to obtain medicines directly from pharmaceutical companies at hospital prices and charge patients the same prices, prohibiting the dispensing of any medication outside the therapeutic framework of the institution.
This directive forms part of the ministry’s broader strategy to ensure fair and equitable drug distribution across all regions of Morocco and enhance quality control and patient safety. Minister Tahraoui affirmed that these guidelines contribute to strengthening a resilient health system capable of addressing challenges and safeguarding citizens’ rights to safe and organized access to medications.
