The Moroccan pharmacists' association, MPHARMA, recently organized its ninth international conference, "Im Pharma Day," in Rabat. The event brought together medical professionals, academics, and industry experts to discuss the challenges facing independent pharmacies in Morocco. The conference was held on September 26, 2026, coinciding with World Pharmacists' Day. The theme of the conference was "Independent Pharmacies: A Key Component of Public Health."
The conference highlighted the significant challenges facing Moroccan pharmacists, including the impact of new regulations on the industry. Dr. Hassnaa Mimon, CEO of MPHARMA, warned that pharmacists are facing existential challenges, including the decree setting drug prices, which she believes may threaten the sustainability of some pharmacies. She also raised concerns about attempts to open the market to investment-based pharmacy chains, emphasizing the need to preserve the independence of the profession.
The conference program included a series of workshops and discussions on the future of Moroccan pharmacies. Participants explored the need for a new economic model that goes beyond relying on drug profit margins and expands the services provided by pharmacists. The discussions focused on the potential for pharmacists to provide additional services, such as vaccination, rapid testing, and chronic disease management.
The conference also addressed the importance of preserving independent pharmacies and their role in providing accessible healthcare services to citizens. Participants emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to develop a new economic model for pharmacies and to address the challenges facing the industry. The conference concluded with seven key recommendations, including the preservation of independent pharmacies and the expansion of pharmacist services.
One of the key recommendations from the conference was the need for a new economic model for pharmacies that is not solely based on drug sales. Participants suggested that pharmacists should be allowed to provide a wider range of services, including vaccination and chronic disease management. This approach would enable pharmacies to remain viable and continue to provide essential healthcare services to communities.
The conference also highlighted the importance of addressing the issue of counterfeit and illegally sold drugs. Participants emphasized the need for stricter controls and regulations to prevent the sale of fake or substandard drugs, which can pose a significant risk to public health. The Moroccan authorities have been working to strengthen regulations and enforcement to address this issue.
The "Im Pharma Day" conference provided a valuable platform for Moroccan pharmacists and healthcare professionals to discuss the challenges facing independent pharmacies and explore solutions for the future. The event highlighted the critical role that independent pharmacies play in providing accessible healthcare services to citizens and the need for a supportive regulatory framework to ensure their sustainability.
Key points
- MPHARMA conference highlights challenges facing independent pharmacies in Morocco
- Pharmacists call for new economic model to ensure sustainability of independent pharmacies
- Conference recommends expansion of pharmacist services to improve public health outcomes
