Egypt Pledges Stricter Controls on Psychotropic Drugs Amid…

Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar advocates for tighter controls on psychotropic drugs due to rising misuse and smuggling issues. The Egyptian Drug Authority is reviewing regulatory frameworks and emphasizing domestic production and international cooperation. Concerns over public health and medication exports were also raised during a recent meeting attended by key health officials.

In a significant move to curb the issues surrounding psychotropic drug misuse and smuggling, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, has emphasized the need for tougher controls on these medications. Speaking through a video link during the 15th board meeting of the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), he stressed that protecting public health is paramount, especially by ensuring that such drugs are only given to patients who genuinely require them under strict professional supervision.

Abdel Ghaffar highlighted that it’s essential to distinguish between medically supervised use and illicit consumption in order to effectively combat drug abuse, which has broad societal impacts. He mentioned that the Ministry of Health is actively working with relevant agencies to strengthen existing regulatory frameworks concerning pharmaceutical distribution.

The meeting, which included several key officials such as Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, and Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, focused on important pharmaceutical market indicators for the upcoming years. Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar revealed notable improvements in raw material availability and strategic inventory levels, which have supported a more resilient supply chain and enhanced domestic drug production.

Currently, 91% of the medicines available in Egypt are produced domestically, establishing the nation as a leader in regional pharmaceutical self-sufficiency. It was reported that Egypt’s pharmaceutical exports reached around $1.1 billion in 2023, suggesting an increasing competitiveness in both regional markets and internationally.

Additionally, the board reviewed budget plans for the EDA for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, intending to enhance regulatory capacity and maintain a consistent supply of safe medications. Efforts towards achieving international accreditation for the EDA, including recognition from the World Health Organization and the European Union, were also discussed, with goals to position the agency as a global benchmark for pharmaceutical regulation.

EDA President Ali El-Ghamrawy expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the Minister of Health and reiterated the authority’s dedication to transparency and digital advancements. He spoke about a comprehensive digital transformation initiative aimed at identifying irregularities and improving the monitoring of controlled substances, particularly psychotropics.

Presidential Health Advisor Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din raised alarm about Egypt’s high per capita medicine consumption, which he described as a “serious challenge” that calls for greater public awareness and stricter oversight. He also pointed out the concerning trend of illicit drug exports, stating that significant quantities are being smuggled overseas to cater to informal markets.

Tag El-Din warned that some individuals frequently send medications abroad to relatives or intermediaries, which jeopardizes the country’s pharmaceutical stockpiles. To address this issue, he confirmed that the government is collaborating with security and regulatory agencies to ensure fair access to medications for Egyptian citizens. He noted that other countries have begun to look at Egypt’s regulatory practices favorably, considering them as a potential model for their own governance.

The recent moves by Egypt’s health officials underscore a growing commitment to strengthen control over psychotropic medicines amid rising concerns over misuse and illegal distribution. With a focus on regulatory mechanisms, domestic production, and international recognition, Egypt aims not only to protect public health but also to assert its position in the global pharmaceutical landscape. More oversight and public awareness appear essential to address the challenges posed by both abuse and smuggling.

Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com