Morocco is facing an increasingly concerning medication shortage. For several months, essential treatments for cancer, diabetes, and hypertension have been subject to sudden shortages, endangering thousands of patients. According to Industry Minister Ryad Mezzour, «Thirty vital drugs were missing last year», and the situation does not appear to be improving. Dr. Tayeb Hamdi, vice president of the National Health Federation, warns about the severity of the problem: «This affects antibiotics, cardiology drugs, cancer treatments, neurology and psychiatry medications... No product is spared from shortages sooner or later». Although Morocco produces between 70% and 80% of its pharmaceutical needs, it remains reliant on imports and vulnerable to international market fluctuations, making stock management particularly complex. «Because the Moroccan pharmaceutical market is relatively small, foreign laboratories prioritize more profitable markets», explains Dr. Hamdi. To ease these shortages, several solutions are being considered, including strengthening the national pharmaceutical industry, improving communication among healthcare professionals, and establishing strategic reserves. However, another challenge looms: the expansion of social protection, which could further drive up demand for medications.
