Algeria's Minister of Health, Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudène, has unveiled two new executive decrees aimed at regulating the prescription and distribution of medications and supplements. The decrees, approved by the Council of Ministers, aim to establish a clearer framework for organizing prescription, dispensing, and rationalizing the use of medications. The first decree sets conditions and modalities for prescribing pharmaceutical products, while the second defines technical characteristics for human dietary supplements.
The new rules will require that dietary supplements be sold exclusively by pharmacists, ensuring that consumers are guided towards safe usage and that the quality and safety of these products are reinforced. This move is expected to limit the risks associated with the uncontrolled or excessive consumption of supplements. According to the Minister, this development is a step towards establishing a modern national framework for regulating dietary supplements, aligned with international references and norms.
The Ministry of Health is also working on developing and continuously updating the national health map, which will include all components of the health sector, such as pharmacies and medical analysis laboratories. The map aims to ensure that healthcare services are aligned with the actual needs of the population, bringing services closer to citizens, and promoting regional equity in their distribution.
The national health map will serve as a tool to guide the equitable and balanced distribution of national healthcare capacities, including medical equipment and human resources, based on the actual needs of each region. This is expected to contribute to ensuring the quality of care and providing equal access to healthcare services across the country.
Minister Aït Messaoudène made the announcement during the second edition of the International Pharmacy Congress, which opened on October 5, 2026. He explained that the decree on prescribing pharmaceutical products has been approved by the Council of Ministers and is currently in the final stages of publication in the Official Journal.
The new regulations are part of a broader effort to improve the healthcare system in Algeria. By establishing a clearer framework for prescription and dispensing, the government aims to promote rational use of medications and improve health outcomes. The Minister emphasized that the measures will help to protect consumers and ensure that they have access to quality healthcare services.
The updated regulations and national health map are expected to have a positive impact on the healthcare system in Algeria, promoting equity, quality, and accessibility. The Ministry of Health will continue to work on implementing and updating these measures to ensure that they meet the evolving needs of the population.
Key points
- The Algerian government has introduced new rules for prescribing medications and supplements, aiming to promote rational use and improve health outcomes.
- The new regulations require that dietary supplements be sold exclusively by pharmacists, ensuring safe usage and quality control.
- The Ministry of Health is developing a national health map to guide the distribution of healthcare services and resources.
