Egypt Pledges Stricter Controls on Psychotropic Drugs Amid Concerns Over Misuse
Egypt’s government has announced plans to strengthen the regulation of psychotropic drugs to combat misuse and smuggling. Deputy Prime Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar highlighted the need for oversight during a recent meeting of the Egyptian Drug Authority. The meeting also discussed Egypt’s pharmaceutical self-reliance, budget allocations, and the country’s aspirations for international accreditation in drug regulation.
In light of rising concerns about the misuse and illegal export of psychotropic drugs, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, has called for stronger oversight on pharmaceutical distribution. This initiative comes as the government aims to better protect public health and ensure these high-risk medications are dispensed only to those with legitimate needs and under professional supervision.
During a recent virtual meeting of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), Abdel Ghaffar emphasized the importance of clearly distinguishing between medically supervised use of drugs and illicit consumption. He expressed that this differentiation is vital for addressing drug abuse within society. The Ministry of Health is actively working with relevant agencies to tighten regulatory frameworks and bolster oversight.
The board meeting had a roster of high-ranking officials in attendance, such as Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, and Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din, the Presidential Advisor for Health Affairs. They were joined by several senior representatives from pharmaceutical procurement and accreditation bodies. These discussions centered not just on drug safety, but also on economic aspects, particularly looking at achievements in domestic drug production.
Spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar revealed that the upcoming meeting aimed to review pharmaceutical market indicators for the years 2023 and 2024. Notably, 91% of medicines sold in Egypt are now locally produced, signaling the country’s emerging position as a prominent player in regional self-reliance. Additionally, the nation’s pharmaceutical exports totaled around $1.1 billion in 2023, suggesting a competitive outlook in both regional and global markets.
As part of the agenda, members discussed the proposed budget for the EDA for 2025/2026, which would enhance the authority’s ability to regulate and ensure safe access to medications. The meeting also focused on the goal of obtaining international accreditation from entities like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union, aiming to establish the EDA as a reference point for pharmaceutical regulation worldwide.
Ali El-Ghamrawy, President of the EDA, praised the Minister of Health for their backing and reiterated their commitment to greater transparency. He mentioned a digital transformation initiative that aims to improve tracking mechanisms for controlled substances, especially psychotropic medications.
Highlighting concerns about Egypt’s rising medicine consumption, Presidential Health Advisor Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din pointed to the situation as a pressing challenge. He noted the need for increased public awareness regarding medication use is crucial. He also highlighted issues surrounding the unauthorized export of medications, which has been a growing problem.
“Some individuals routinely send pharmaceuticals overseas to family members or intermediaries, compromising our national stockpiles,” said Tag El-Din. The government is working with security forces to tackle this issue head-on and ensure equal access to medications for all Egyptian citizens. Tag El-Din concluded by mentioning that other countries are looking at Egypt’s regulatory practices with interest, signaling the nation’s growing reputation in global pharmaceutical governance.
Egypt is ramping up its efforts to regulate the distribution of psychotropic drugs amid concerns over addiction and illicit export. The government aims to safeguard public health while also bolstering its domestic pharmaceutical industry. With a significant percentage of drugs now locally produced, and a focus on international accreditation, Egypt is positioning itself as a leader in pharmaceutical governance. Authorities are addressing challenges, such as high consumption rates and smuggling, to ensure equitable access to medications for its citizens.
Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com
