Despite Egypt’s strategic reserve of pharmaceuticals, many Egyptians, particularly those with chronic diseases, are struggling to find the life-saving medications they need. Pharmacists reported that the shortage affects both imported and locally produced drugs, putting patients in precarious situations. Elderly individuals, who often rely on multiple medications, particularly imported ones, have expressed concerns as these medications become increasingly difficult to find, according to a pharmacist from Ain Shams. In late 2021, Egypt ranked as the ninth-highest country worldwide in terms of diabetes prevalence, with nine million citizens affected — 90 percent of whom were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, according to Hesham El-Hefnawy, former dean of the National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology. Alarming projections indicate that this figure is expected to surge to 17 million by 2045, placing Egypt seventh globally in terms of diabetes rates. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly held a meeting with Health Minister Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar in May, stressing the need to take all necessary measures to ensure the availability of needed medicines. “We recognize the challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector,” Madbouly said, pledging government collaboration with the private sector to overcome any obstacles. “We will face…
Economic Pressures Strain Egypt’s Pharmaceutical Sector Amid Efforts for Stabilization and Growth
June 13, 2024
