Official Says Stock of Medicines for Earthquake Victims is Sufficient

Rabat – More than 300 tons of medical supplies have been delivered to the Al Haouz earthquake-affected areas, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. The Ministry has emphasized that the supply is enough to care for the injured.

According to Aziz Merabti, Director of Medicines and Pharmacy at the Ministry of Health, “the stock is sufficient to care for the injured. It was sufficient in the early days and will remain so,” he continued, “we have enough medications and medical supplies to take care of the wounded.”

“Patients and their families must be reassured about this issue,” Merabti stressed.

In line with Royal instructions, Merabti, in a statement to the Maghreb Arab Press (MAP) on September 12, announced that the Ministry of Health and Social Protection had promptly initiated the activation of the emergency strategic plan for the national stockpile of medicines and pharmaceutical products immediately following the earthquake.

He explained that the Ministry prepared this stock of essential medications and health supplies to deal with catastrophes and calamities.

Merabti emphasized that more than 200 tons of medications and medical supplies were transported to all hospitals and healthcare facilities in the affected districts within hours of the catastrophe, thanks to a quick response from the health sector.

The official added that as part of tracking the consumption situation in the field, the ministry sent a new shipment of more than 100 tons to enhance the stock at the level of health facilities in the affected areas.

He noted that more amounts of medications and medical supplies will be provided today to supplement the stock of the neighboring hospitals and those providing aid to the injured.

Regarding the nature of the medicines and materials used, he clarified that this type of disaster pertains to resuscitation and anesthesia drugs, as well as medical devices used in surgery.

He went on to say that the supply includes antibiotics, oxygen masks, painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and other items, highlighting the fact that “Morocco, fortunately, has a strategic stock of these products.”

In terms of the distribution strategy, the representative said that all facilities that take in infected individuals are concerned with delivering medications and medical equipment, adding that the Health Directorate, which oversees direct follow-up, will send additional quantities based on usage.

“At each site, we have medical staff, pharmacists, and drug preparation workers mobilized. We monitor the status of the drugs together, and we react to the needs immediately,” Merabti concluded.