The Egyptian pharmaceutical market has seen significant fluctuations in recent times, with various medications experiencing shortages. According to Dr. Ali Auf, head of the Pharmaceutical Division at the Egyptian Federation of Chambers of Commerce, drugs for chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are currently stable in the market. However, there have been shortages of certain medications, including kidney failure injections and thyroid medications, although these are now available at emergency pharmacies nationwide.
Dr. Auf noted that the overall situation in the pharmaceutical market has improved considerably compared to 2024. He emphasized that the average shortage in Egypt is comparable to that in other countries worldwide. Auf encouraged patients not to be tied to specific brand names, as there are often alternative medications with similar efficacy. The Egyptian Drug Authority provides a hotline (15301) for patients to inquire about the availability of specific medications at nearby pharmacies.
Pharmaceutical companies regularly submit requests to the Egyptian Drug Authority to review costs and adjust prices. The Authority's pricing committee reviews the detailed production costs of each company. In July, August, and September, numerous companies submitted requests for price adjustments. However, the Authority rejected 90% of the July requests after re-examining the costs.
The rejected requests reflect the Authority's rigorous assessment of production costs. Companies must provide detailed breakdowns of their expenses to justify price adjustments. This process aims to balance the interests of pharmaceutical companies and patients, ensuring that medications remain affordable while also financially sustainable for manufacturers.
The pricing decision No. 480 introduced changes to pharmacist discounts. For essential medications, the discount increased from 20% to 22%, and for non-essential medications, it rose from 25% to 27%. This adjustment seeks to offset losses incurred by pharmacies. The Egyptian Drug Authority designates which medications are essential and non-essential, influencing their pricing and availability.
Dr. Auf highlighted that some medications were in short supply due to production or importation issues. However, he assured that the situation is being managed, with the Authority working to resolve these shortages. Patients are advised to utilize the Authority's hotline for information on medication availability.
The pharmaceutical sector continues to navigate challenges, including global supply chain disruptions and economic fluctuations. The Egyptian Drug Authority plays a crucial role in maintaining market stability through its oversight and regulatory functions. As the sector evolves, stakeholders will be monitoring developments closely to ensure that patients' needs are met.
Key points
- The Egyptian Drug Authority rejected 90% of pharmaceutical price adjustment requests submitted in July.
- The Authority has a hotline (15301) for patients to check medication availability.
- Recent pricing decisions aim to support pharmacies by adjusting discounts on essential and non-essential medications.
