Rabat – Following widespread public outcry over the soaring prices of medicines, Morocco’s Ministry of Health has announced a reduction in the prices of 24 medications used to treat common chronic diseases.
The decision to lower drug prices is part of the ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Health to review and regulate medication costs in Morocco. The medications affected by this reduction are primarily used in the treatment of prevalent conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic ailments.
“Eylea 40 mg,” commonly prescribed to address eye diseases associated with diabetes, macular degeneration, and macular swelling experienced a substantial price drop. Previously priced at MAD 9,035 ($889.8), the medication now costs MAD 7,920 ($780).
Diabetes treatments have also seen a notable decrease in price. “Suliqua 100 units/ml + 50,” is now available at MAD 1,200 ($118.1), down from its previous price of MAD 1,409 ($138.7), following the recent price revision.
“Vepran 150 mg,” used to treat high blood pressure, witnessed a reduction from MAD 120 ($11.8) to MAD 108.70 ($10.7). Similarly, “APROVEL 150 mg” has seen a decrease in price, dropping from MAD 158.30 ($15.5) to MAD 108.70 ($10.7) .
The Ministry’s decision to reduce drug prices is part of the implementation of the national pharmaceutical policy and comes in application of the provisions of decree 2.13.852 on the terms and conditions for determining medication prices.
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This initiative aims to facilitate citizens’ access to vital medicines and decrease the overall expenditure on medical coverage.
In March 2023, Morocco’s Court of Audits called on the government to intervene and address the issue of elevated medication prices.
In their annual report for the previous year, the Court raised concerns about exorbitantly high prices of certain medications, attributed in part to excessive profit margins of up to 57%.
In response, pharmacists across the nation threatened to stage strikes on April 13, with the potential to shut down pharmacies for up to two days.
Moroccan citizens took to social media platforms to express their frustration over the exorbitant prices of medications in the country highlighting that the high prices harm the country’s low-income earners and those with chronic illnesses the most.
