Egypt Pledges Stricter Controls on Psychotropic Drugs Amid Concerns Over Misuse, Smuggling

Egyptian authorities are tightening controls on psychotropic medications amid rising concerns over misuse and smuggling. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring these drugs are dispensed solely to those with valid medical needs. The Ministry of Health is improving regulatory mechanisms and promoting local pharmaceutical production, which now stands at 91%. This includes efforts to secure international accreditation for the Egyptian Drug Authority, reflecting Egypt’s rising status in global pharmaceutical governance.

In a proactive move to tackle the misuse of psychotropic drugs, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, has emphasized the need for tighter controls on pharmaceutical distribution. This response comes amid worrisome trends of addiction and smuggling associated with these medications. During a virtual address at the 15th Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) board meeting, Abdel Ghaffar highlighted the necessity of regulating high-risk medications, ensuring they are used solely by patients with a genuine medical need under appropriate professional oversight.

“Differentiating between medically supervised use and illicit consumption is essential to tackling drug abuse and its societal repercussions,” he remarked. The Ministry of Health is actively collaborating with various agencies to strengthen regulatory measures and reinforce public health protections.

Significant figures from Egypt’s government joined the meeting, such as Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, and Ali El-Ghamrawy, President of the EDA. They reviewed advancements in the pharmaceutical sector, with Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, a spokesperson for the Ministry, noting improvements in the availability of raw materials and inventory, which contribute to a more resilient supply chain and enhanced domestic drug production.

Currently, an impressive 91% of medicines sold in Egypt are produced locally, affirming the country’s position as a regional leader in pharmaceutical independence. In 2023 alone, Egypt’s pharmaceutical exports reached around $1.1 billion, demonstrating its growing competitiveness in both regional and international markets.

The board also deliberated the budget for the EDA for 2025/2026, aimed at bolstering the authority’s regulatory capabilities while maintaining access to safe medications. Furthermore, the meeting covered Egypt’s push for international accreditation of the EDA, with aspirations for recognition from both the World Health Organization and the European Union, thus positioning the agency as a leading global entity in pharmaceutical regulation.

Ali El-Ghamrawy praised the Minister of Health’s ongoing support and reiterated the authority’s dedication to transparency and digital modernization initiatives. A significant digital transformation is being implemented to better monitor and track controlled substances, especially psychotropics, as part of the strategy against misuse.

Presidential Health Advisor, Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din, drew attention to a pressing issue: Egypt’s per capita medicine consumption is alarmingly higher than global standards, labeling this a “serious challenge” that necessitates increased public education and more robust regulation. Concerns were also raised about the illegal distribution of medications, with evidence pointing to large quantities being smuggled abroad. “Some individuals routinely send pharmaceuticals overseas to family members… which undermines our national stockpiles,” he noted.

In response, the government is enhancing coordination with security and oversight agencies to tackle this issue, promoting fair access to medicines for Egyptian citizens. Tag El-Din underscored Egypt’s emerging reputation in global pharmaceutical governance, with several nations now looking to Egyptian regulatory practices as a benchmark.

Egyptian officials are prioritizing stricter regulations on psychotropic drugs amidst concerns of misuse and smuggling. With significant advancements in local production and exports, the country appears to be positioning itself as a leader in pharmaceutical governance. Collaborative efforts among government agencies aim to ensure safe and equitable access to medicines while reinforcing regulatory mechanisms to combat drug abuse. The push for international accreditation of the Egyptian Drug Authority reflects a commitment to global standards and transparency in pharmaceutical practices.

Original Source: www.dailynewsegypt.com