Ministry of Health Clarifies to the Public: No Basis for Monopoly Rumors Surrounding Potassium Chloride Medication
In response to comments made by MP Abdallah Bouano during a public session for voting on the first part of the Finance Bill, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection has confirmed that rumors regarding the granting of monopolies or privileges for the importation of Potassium Chloride (KCl) are unfounded. The Ministry emphasized that such statements undermine the credibility of national efforts to ensure pharmaceutical safety and the continuity of treatments within hospitals.
The Ministry explained that Potassium Chloride is considered a vital and essential substance in intensive care, surgery, and anesthesia departments, and cannot be dispensed with due to its crucial role in stabilizing the vital functions of patients. It noted that the national market has recently witnessed a temporary shortage resulting from a halt in production at one national company due to expansion and upgrading works at its industrial unit.
In light of this situation, the Moroccan Agency for Medicines and Health Products intervened to expedite the resumption of local production and to support another Moroccan company in enhancing local supply and ensuring pharmaceutical sovereignty. The Ministry provided temporary licenses for several companies to import the substance from abroad under strict conditions to ensure quality and compliance. It assured that these licenses do not prioritize public contracts, as preference is always given to medications that have legal authorization, supporting national production.
Regarding procurement deals, the Ministry insisted that all purchases of the substance were made through a legal and transparent bidding process, with no recourse to any acquisition outside this framework. University hospitals manage their procurement according to the same legal procedures to ensure integrity and transparency.
The Ministry concluded its statement by affirming that all decisions are made in accordance with the law and with the utmost transparency, ensuring the continuity of treatments and protecting public health, while remaining open to any clarification that would enhance citizens’ trust in the healthcare system.
