Egypt Pledges Stricter Controls on Psychotropic Drugs Amid…

Egypt is bolstering regulations on psychotropic drug distribution amid rising misuse and smuggling concerns. Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar emphasized the need for strict oversight to ensure that high-risk medications are prescribed carefully. Additionally, Egypt is on track to enhance its pharmaceutical market and aims for international accreditations, while addressing ongoing issues like illegal exports of medications.

In a decisive move against the mounting concerns over psychotropic drug misuse and smuggling, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, has called for heightened scrutiny on pharmaceutical distribution. This comes as the country grapples with rising issues related to addiction and illegal exports of such drugs. Speaking via video link at the 15th board meeting of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), he emphasized that having strict measures in place is fundamental to safeguarding public health, especially regarding high-risk medications.

Abdel Ghaffar pointed out the pressing need to distinguish between legitimate use of psychotropic substances and their illegal consumption. Describing this differentiation as vital in combating drug abuse and its societal fallout, he revealed that the Ministry of Health is working closely with various agencies to bolster regulatory frameworks. The meeting convened several high-profile officials, including Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, and Ali El-Ghamrawy, EDA President, along with significant representatives from pharmaceutical procurement entities.

During the meeting, Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, a spokesperson for the Ministry, discussed the reviewed pharmaceutical market indicators for the upcoming years. He noted significant enhancements in the availability of raw materials and strategic inventory, which have contributed positively to the overall resilience of the supply chain and bolstered domestic drug production. Currently, a striking 91% of medications distributed in Egypt are manufactured locally, marking a notable step toward self-reliance in the pharmaceutical sector.

The session also highlighted that Egypt’s pharmaceutical exports have surged, reaching approximately $1.1 billion in 2023, signaling an increase in competitiveness at both regional and global levels. Furthermore, the proposed budget for the EDA covering 2025 and 2026 aims to support the authority’s regulatory capabilities and facilitate ongoing access to safe medications

In addition, discussions focused on Egypt’s aspirations to achieve international accreditation for the EDA, seeking validation from bodies like the World Health Organization and the European Union. During the proceedings, EDA President, Ali El-Ghamrawy, praised the Minister’s unwavering support and reaffirmed the authority’s dedication to implementing more transparency and undergoing a significant digital transformation aimed at improving oversight of controlled substances, particularly psychotropics.

Presidential Health Advisor Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din raised alarms about Egypt’s per capita medicine consumption, which reportedly surpasses global norms. He described this as a “serious challenge” requiring a stronger public awareness campaign and more stringent regulations. Additionally, he raised concerns about the illegal export of medications, pointing to substantial amounts being smuggled to support informal markets.

“Some individuals routinely send pharmaceuticals overseas to family members or intermediaries, which undermines our national stockpiles,” Tag El-Din warned. To tackle these issues, he mentioned that the government is actively coordinating with security and regulatory bodies to ensure that Egyptian citizens maintain fair access to medicines. Moreover, he highlighted Egypt’s growing influence in global pharmaceutical governance, noting other countries are beginning to look up to Egypt’s regulatory practices as a paradigm worth following.

In summary, Egypt’s authorities are intensifying oversight measures on the distribution of psychotropic drugs due to rising misuse concerns and illegal activities. With their commitment to public health and innovative strategies for regulatory improvement, the country aims to strengthen its position both regionally and internationally in the pharmaceutical sector. The focus on local production and the push for international accreditations holds promise for the future of Egypt’s drug regulatory landscape, but challenges like illicit exports remain significant hurdles to overcome.

Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com