The ninth international conference of the Moroccan Pharmacists Association, "Im Pharma," was held in Rabat, Morocco, on September 26, 2026. The conference brought together dozens of pharmacists, experts, and professionals from Morocco and abroad to discuss the crisis facing independent pharmacies. The event's theme, "Independent Pharmacies: A Key Component of Public Health," highlighted the crucial role that neighborhood pharmacies play in ensuring drug security and providing direct healthcare to citizens.
Participants at the conference expressed deep concern over the recent decree setting drug prices, which was issued without consulting pharmacists or providing measures to mitigate the impact on their businesses. The decree has led to a significant decline in profit margins, threatening the viability of thousands of pharmacies and potentially leading to bankruptcy. The conference also addressed the dangers of proposals to liberalize pharmacy capital and allow foreign investors, which could transform the pharmaceutical industry into a purely commercial enterprise.
The conference also touched on the need for an update to the legal and regulatory framework governing the pharmaceutical industry. Participants called for the revision of outdated laws, including the Medicines and Pharmacy Code, and the implementation of new regulations to address emerging issues. They also emphasized the importance of holding regional council elections for the Pharmacists' Association to restore institutional representation.
The conference highlighted the growing problem of unauthorized online pharmacies and the sale of counterfeit or substandard medications. Participants urged the authorities to take stricter measures to control the online sale of medications and to crack down on those involved in this illicit trade. They also stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical industry.
In a bid to address the crisis facing independent pharmacies, the conference proposed the development of a new economic model that goes beyond the narrow profit margins of medications. The model would involve expanding pharmacy services to include tasks such as medication substitution, patient monitoring, and health education. Participants also emphasized the importance of integrating pharmacists into the healthcare system and recognizing their role in promoting public health.
Dr. Hassnaa El Moumni, president of the Moroccan Pharmacists Association, emphasized the critical role that pharmacists play in the healthcare system, going beyond their commercial functions to provide patient care and education. She warned that the current crisis facing independent pharmacies threatens the very fabric of the healthcare system and called for urgent action to address the issue.
The conference concluded with a call for greater collaboration between the Ministry of Health, professional associations, and stakeholders to address the crisis facing independent pharmacies. Participants emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that takes into account the needs of pharmacists, patients, and the broader healthcare system. They also stressed the importance of preserving the independence of pharmacists and recognizing their critical role in ensuring public health.
Key points
- The crisis facing independent pharmacies in Morocco threatens the viability of thousands of pharmacies and potentially undermines the healthcare system.
- The Moroccan Pharmacists Association is calling for a new economic model for pharmacies that goes beyond narrow profit margins and recognizes the critical role of pharmacists in promoting public health.
- The conference highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as stricter measures to control the online sale of medications.
