Mauritania's Health Minister, Etienne Tiane, has announced that the government has made significant strides in reforming the country's drug sector, focusing on ensuring the quality and safety of medicines. The minister made these remarks during a press conference following a cabinet meeting in Nouakchott. He emphasized that the government's efforts aim to enhance the regulation and governance of the pharmaceutical sector.
Minister Tiane highlighted that the reforms have included updating the national list of medicines and standardizing prices across the country. Additionally, the government has introduced measures to guarantee the safety and quality of drugs, such as requiring temperature-controlled transportation and storage. These changes are part of a broader strategy to improve the sector, in line with directives from President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.
The minister explained that the reforms also involve the construction of a new laboratory for monitoring drug quality and stricter controls on storage conditions. Furthermore, the government has reviewed and updated the pharmaceutical law, introducing key changes to regulate the sector and enhance governance. These efforts aim to protect public health by ensuring that medicines available in the market are safe and effective.
As part of the digital transformation, the minister announced the establishment of a digital system for registering and approving medicines. This system will also enable the tracking of medicines, enhancing monitoring and transparency throughout the supply chain. This development is expected to significantly improve the regulation of the pharmaceutical sector.
The government has also introduced two decrees aimed at enhancing the regulatory framework. The first decree outlines the procedures for pharmaceutical inspection and monitoring, aligning with international best practices. This decree is expected to strengthen the capacity of health authorities to oversee the import, storage, distribution, and sale of medicines.
The second decree focuses on determining the fines and procedures for enforcing regulations related to pharmaceutical offenses. This decree aims to provide a more efficient and effective system for addressing violations, enhancing deterrence, and protecting public health. The minister emphasized that these reforms are crucial for ensuring that citizens have access to safe and effective medicines.
Minister Tiane concluded by highlighting the significance of these reforms for the citizens of Mauritania, emphasizing that they will have a direct impact on the quality of healthcare services. He also noted that the government remains committed to addressing concerns and challenges raised by citizens, ensuring that the healthcare sector continues to improve and provide high-quality services.
Key points
- The Mauritanian government has made significant progress in reforming the drug sector, focusing on quality, safety, and governance.
- The reforms include updating the national list of medicines, standardizing prices, and introducing measures to guarantee the safety and quality of drugs.
- A new digital system for registering and approving medicines has been established to enhance monitoring and transparency in the pharmaceutical sector.
