The Algerian government is set to issue new decrees to update the regulatory framework for pharmacists, according to Mohamed Sadiq Ait Mesoudan. This move aims to keep pace with the evolution of healthcare practices and enhance the responsibilities of professionals in this sector. The announcement was made during the opening of the 2nd International Pharmacy Conference in Algiers, attended by various stakeholders, including the President of the International Organization of Pharmacists' Associations (IOPA), Mustafa Alaroussi.

Ait Mesoudan stated that his ministry has prepared a draft executive decree that outlines the conditions and methods for prescribing pharmaceutical products. This decree, approved by the Council of Ministers, is currently awaiting publication in the Official Gazette. The new decree is expected to establish a clearer framework for regulating prescriptions, dispensing, and rational use of medications. This development is part of the government's efforts to improve the healthcare system and ensure better services for citizens.

Another draft executive decree has been prepared by the Ministry of Health, in coordination with relevant sectors and bodies, to define the technical characteristics of food supplements for human medicine. This decree, also approved by the Council of Ministers, is currently being published in the Official Gazette. The new text stipulates that these products can only be dispensed by pharmacists, ensuring that consumers are guided towards proper use and that their safety and quality are enhanced.

The new decrees are expected to significantly impact the healthcare sector in Algeria. By regulating the dispensing of food supplements and medications, the government aims to reduce the risks associated with their random or excessive use. This move is part of a broader strategy to modernize the national healthcare system and align it with international standards and best practices. The government's efforts to enhance the role of pharmacists and improve healthcare services are ongoing.

The 2nd International Pharmacy Conference, organized under the theme "National Sovereignty, African Openness for Sustainable Health," brings together experts and stakeholders from across the continent. The conference aims to promote the exchange of experiences, development of competencies, and encouragement of scientific research in the field of pharmacy. Algerian Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry, Wassim Kouidri, emphasized the importance of building national sovereignty in the healthcare sector while promoting openness and cooperation with African countries.

The conference provides a platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the pharmacy sector in Africa. Participants are expected to share knowledge and expertise on various aspects of pharmacy, including regulation, supervision, and production. The event also highlights the crucial role of pharmacists in ensuring the quality and safety of medications and healthcare services. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the conference aims to contribute to the development of a robust and sustainable healthcare system in Africa.

The Algerian government's efforts to update the regulatory framework for pharmacists and enhance the healthcare system are ongoing. With the implementation of the new decrees, the country is expected to make significant strides in improving healthcare services and ensuring the well-being of its citizens. The government's commitment to modernizing the healthcare sector and promoting cooperation with international partners is evident in its participation in conferences and initiatives like the 2nd International Pharmacy Conference.

Key points

  • Algeria to issue new decrees to update regulatory framework for pharmacists.
  • New decrees aim to enhance responsibilities of pharmacists and improve healthcare practices.
  • Conference promotes exchange of experiences and development of competencies in pharmacy sector.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.