Egypt Pledges Stricter Controls on Psychotropic Drugs Amid…

Egypt’s health authorities are ramping up controls on psychotropic drugs amid rising concerns about misuse and illegal exports. Deputy Prime Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar called for stricter regulations during an EDA meeting. The country is also seeing significant improvements in local pharmaceutical production, with 91% of medicines being domestically manufactured. As Egypt pushes for international accreditation, officials stress the importance of ensuring fair access to medicines.

In a decisive move, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, has emphasized the need for stricter oversight on the distribution of psychotropic drugs. He expressed these concerns during the 15th board meeting of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), which was conducted via video link. The rising issues around misuse, addiction, and illegal exportation of psychotropic medications have compelled the government to take action to protect public health and ensure that these high-risk substances are only available to those with legitimate medical needs.

During the meeting, Abdel Ghaffar pointed out, “Differentiating between medically supervised use and illicit consumption is essential to tackling drug abuse and its societal repercussions.” The Ministry of Health is reportedly working closely with relevant agencies to bolster regulatory mechanisms around these medications. High-ranking officials, such as Kamel Al-Wazir, the Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, and other key personnel from various ministries, attended the meeting, showcasing the importance of this issue.

Additionally, the meeting reviewed critical data on pharmaceutical market indicators for the years 2023 and 2024. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, a spokesperson for the Ministry, detailed improvements in raw material availability and boosted inventory levels, contributing to a resilient supply chain and heightened domestic drug production. Notably, around 91% of medicines circulating in Egypt are manufactured locally, establishing the country as a leader in regional pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.

The session also revealed that Egypt’s pharmaceutical exports surged to approximately $1.1 billion in 2023, indicating a competitive edge on both regional and international levels. Discussion further extended to the proposed budget for the EDA for 2025/2026, aimed at increasing the authority’s regulatory capabilities to ensure consistent access to safe medications.

Moreover, ongoing efforts to gain international accreditation for the EDA, including recognition from the World Health Organization and the European Union, were topics of focus. EDA President Ali El-Ghamrawy praised the support from the Minister of Health and emphasized the agency’s commitment to transparency and digital modernization.

Meanwhile, Presidential Health Advisor Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din raised alarms about the country’s per capita medicine consumption, which significantly surpasses global norms, labeling it a “serious challenge” that demands greater public awareness and stricter oversight. He expressed concerns over the illicit exportation of medications, specifically citing the smuggling of substantial quantities abroad for informal markets. “Some individuals routinely send pharmaceuticals overseas to family members or intermediaries, which undermines our national stockpiles,” Tag El-Din warned, highlighting the urgent need to coordinate with security and regulatory bodies to tackle this significant issue.

He remarked on Egypt’s rising influence in the realm of global pharmaceutical governance, noting that several nations regard Egypt’s regulatory practices as exemplary, indicating that the country’s approach could serve as a model for others to follow.

To conclude, Egypt’s enhanced regulations on psychotropic drug distribution reflect a serious response to growing concerns regarding misuse and smuggling. With an emphasis on public health, the government aims to ensure that high-risk medications reach only those patients in genuine need. Additionally, measures are in place to bolster oversight, foster self-reliance in pharmaceutical production, and maintain the integrity of public stockpiles, signaling a proactive approach in managing the complexities of drug usage in the nation.

Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com