Casablanca – In a significant move aimed at alleviating the financial burden on patients and improving access to essential treatments, the Moroccan government has announced plans to lower the prices of 190 medications, particularly those used for chronic diseases. This initiative, disclosed by Amine Tahraoui, the Minister of Health and Social Protection, is part of a broader strategy to revise and regulate drug pricing periodically.
Ongoing price review program
Since 2021, Morocco has been implementing a program to periodically review the prices of medications, which has led to substantial reductions in the costs of over 5,350 pharmaceutical products. This latest round of price cuts includes 190 medications, with a recent focus on 169 drugs used for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. The minister emphasized that these adjustments are designed to assist the most vulnerable groups in maintaining their treatment regimens without enduring excessive financial strain.
Addressing pricing challenges
Despite these efforts, the country’s drug pricing system continues to face challenges, particularly with the introduction of costly innovative medications and the expansion of compulsory health insurance (AMO). These factors exert additional pressure on the sustainability of social protection mechanisms. Tahraoui highlighted that, while previous reforms, including those from 2013, established more transparent pricing regulations, the evolving dynamics of global and local markets necessitate ongoing revisions to maintain a balance between affordable medication prices and the viability of healthcare systems.
Enhanced pharmaceutical regulations
To complement the price reduction initiative, the government has adopted new regulatory measures to strengthen the management and traceability of pharmaceutical products. These regulations aim to improve transparency and safety in the promotion and sale of medications, thereby addressing existing disarray in the market.
A commitment to inclusive healthcare
Under the national pharmaceutical policy for 2023-2027, the ministry has committed to ensuring that all social categories, especially the most disadvantaged, have access to high-quality and affordable medications. The policy prioritizes the promotion of generic drugs, stricter price controls on expensive treatments, and support for the local pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, around 4,500 medications have already seen significant price reductions due to tax exemptions on pharmaceutical products and raw materials essential for their production.
Improving healthcare access
This comprehensive approach underscores the Moroccan government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare services and ensuring equitable access to essential treatments. By reducing the financial burden on patients and addressing systemic issues within the healthcare infrastructure, these measures aim to build a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare system for all citizens.