The availability of drugs is subject to supply, demand and conditions on international markets, said the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Khalid Ait Taleb.
Present Monday in the House of Representatives, the minister was questioned on “the shortage of certain drugs for patients with advanced cancer”. In this regard, he recalled the strategy adopted by the ministry to ensure the strategic stock and the reserve stock of medicines, noting, however, that this approach “does not mean that Morocco will be immune to the shortage of medicines » due to the increase in prices on the international market or the lack of raw materials.
These factors might lead companies not to import pharmaceuticals, he added, stressing the need to reconsider prices “at a time when we are experiencing some difficulties”.
In this context, and in response to the lack of certain drugs in Moroccan pharmacies, like morphine, Ait Taleb said that this drug is produced by two companies in Morocco, one of which produces injections and another, tablets.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare also indicated that one million morphine tablets will be distributed nationally, with the aim of meeting pharmaceutical needs, noting that “Moscontin 100 mg” is available on the market.