The assassination of pharmacist Mounir Naceri in Constantine, Algeria, has sparked widespread concern about the safety of pharmacists in the country. The incident has highlighted the violence that these healthcare professionals face while performing their duties. The National Union of Pharmacists of Algeria (Snapo) and the Algerian Pharmaceutical Distributors Association (ADPHA) have strongly condemned the crime and called for urgent measures to enhance the security of pharmacists and their teams.
The Snapo and ADPHA have expressed their outrage and sadness over Naceri's assassination, emphasizing that it is a tragedy that affects not only his family but also the entire pharmaceutical community. Both organizations have stressed the need to guarantee a secure working environment for pharmacists, who provide essential services to citizens. They have also called for better protection of healthcare professionals against acts of violence while performing their duties.
The Snapo has urged the authorities to accelerate the implementation of a digital platform for managing and monitoring prescriptions of psychotropic medications. This platform, provided for in the law, aims to strengthen control and traceability of prescriptions, combat falsification, and better regulate the dispensing of psychotropic medications. The Snapo believes that this platform will help protect pharmacists against pressures, threats, and illegal practices they may face when dispensing these medications.
The assassination of Mounir Naceri is not an isolated incident. Several incidents have targeted pharmacists and pharmacies across Algeria in recent years. In September 2026, a pharmacist was attacked in Boudouaou, and his pharmacy was robbed. In July 2024, a pharmacy in Bab Ezzouar was attacked by armed individuals, leaving staff injured. These incidents highlight the vulnerability of pharmacists, who play a vital role in healthcare.
Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for citizens seeking healthcare. Their role involves providing advice, listening to patients, and being available to them. However, this cannot be done in a climate of fear and insecurity. The Snapo and ADPHA are calling for concrete measures to address the security concerns of pharmacists, including enhanced security for pharmacies and prevention of violence.
The Algerian justice system has been tasked with investigating Naceri's assassination and bringing those responsible to justice. The Snapo has expressed confidence in the justice system to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the assassination and apply the law. The incident has also raised concerns about the need for better protection of healthcare professionals and the continuity of healthcare services.
The reaction of the Snapo and ADPHA to Naceri's assassination highlights the need for urgent action to address the security concerns of pharmacists in Algeria. The organizations are advocating for enhanced security measures, better protection of healthcare professionals, and the implementation of tools to track prescriptions. These measures aim to ensure a safe working environment for pharmacists and preserve the continuity of healthcare services.
Key points
- The assassination of Mounir Naceri has sparked widespread concern about pharmacist safety in Algeria.
- Pharmacist groups are calling for urgent security measures, including enhanced security for pharmacies and prevention of violence.
- The implementation of a digital platform for managing psychotropic medication prescriptions is also being urged to help protect pharmacists.
