The director of the Moroccan Agency for Medicines: We operate on the principles of transparency and responsibility to ensure safe medication and stable pharmaceutical sovereignty.
Samir Ahid, the General Director of the Moroccan Agency for Medicines and Health Products, confirmed that the agency relies on “transparency and responsibility” as the foundation for pharmaceutical management in Morocco. He explained that all regulatory decisions are based on stringent scientific criteria that ensure consumer safety and market stability.
In a presentation before the Social Sectors Committee of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Ahid stated that the central goal of the agency’s work is to ensure that citizens have access to safe and effective medication and to bolster the trust of professionals in the newly established regulatory institution, which has become a cornerstone of the healthcare reform initiative.
Daily Monitoring of Drug Availability and Proactive Intervention
The General Director revealed that the agency daily monitors the availability of essential medicines and acts proactively when any potential disruptions in local production or imports are detected. He emphasized that regulatory development encompasses not only quality control and licensing but also supports local manufacturing as a strategic option to enhance Morocco’s independence in the face of global supply chain shifts.
He noted that the agency coordinates with the Ministry of Health and the industrial sector to increase production capacity and develop new manufacturing lines capable of meeting national demand and preventing shortages.
Modern System for Monitoring Strategic Stock
Regarding the pharmaceutical stock, Ahid stressed that the agency has adopted an advanced monitoring and tracking system that allows for immediate intervention when necessary, and effectively implements exceptional licensing mechanisms to ensure the supply of essential medicines to pharmacies and hospitals. He affirmed that strengthening the strategic stock is one of the top priorities at this stage, as it represents a lever to achieve stable and long-term pharmaceutical sovereignty.
Digitalizing Processes and Tightening Control on Drug Distribution
The health official outlined several reforms that the agency has begun to implement, including updating the licensing system, digitizing processes, and tightening control over distribution channels to combat fraud and illegal practices. He highlighted that reinforcing the trust of stakeholders and citizens is achieved through regular institutional communication, standardization of criteria, and adopting a methodology based on science and transparency in decision-making.
He added that the agency, within its new responsibilities, has become a central player in the healthcare system, overseeing quality control, market monitoring, and supporting the pharmaceutical industry. He pointed out that the upcoming phase will see the launch of new projects aimed at enhancing inspection powers, strengthening pharmacovigilance, and improving governance in the sector.
An Irreversible Strategic Initiative
Ahid concluded by emphasizing that the development of the pharmaceutical sector represents an irreversible strategic initiative, and that the agency will continue to work steadily to ensure the right to reliable medication, protect the national market, and support the Kingdom’s manufacturing capacities in line with the objectives of comprehensive health reform.
