Rabat– The illegal sale of medications online is becoming an increasing concern in Morocco, with authorities intensifying efforts to combat the practice.
Health Minister Amine Tahraoui shed light on the issue during his address to the Chamber of Counselors on Tuesday, December 31. He said that online pharmacies, ranging from simple websites to fully developed e-commerce platforms, are operating outside the legal framework, which puts public health at serious risk.
These online platforms, often unregulated, expose consumers to potentially counterfeit medications that fail to meet safety and quality standards, according to the minister. Tahraoui expressed difficulty in determining the full extent of the problem, but asserted that such illegal practices are putting Moroccan citizens in harm’s way.
To counter this growing trend, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has issued a circular to mobilize judicial services across the country to address the rising issue of online drug sales. The minister also pointed out that 10% of medications sold in developing countries, a significant portion of which are sold online, are counterfeit. Studies show that the rate of online medication purchases continues to increase globally, heightening concerns over public health safety.
Tahraoui reaffirmed that only licensed pharmacies, pharmaceutical establishments, and accredited public or private healthcare structures have the legal right to sell medications. He stated that strict laws govern the pharmaceutical sector, from production to distribution, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and ethical standards.
In his speech, the minister also referred to Morocco’s Pharmaceutical Code (Law 17-04), which clearly states that the preparation, possession, and marketing of medications are exclusively reserved for licensed pharmacists.
The minister cited Law 16-16, which approves the Council of Europe’s Convention on the counterfeiting of medical products and offenses threatening public health. Tahraoui called for a global mobilization to strengthen efforts between judicial and health authorities, urging a public awareness campaign about the dangers of buying medications online.
