Morocco’s pharmacists are worried that a planned change to the law could make it harder and more expensive for them to get medicines.
The concern centres on Article 26 of Morocco’s pharmaceutical law. The issue emerged a day after the House of Representatives approved Bill 27.26, which introduces new measures on drug safety monitoring, inspections and the role of the Moroccan Agency for Medicines and Health Products.
In a statement seen by Santé Mag, the Confederation of Pharmacists’ Unions of Morocco (CSPM) said it had learned of a proposal to amend Article 26 and called for caution over any changes that could affect pharmacies.
The organisation said the amendment could have consequences for the financial stability of pharmacies and for what pharmacists see as important professional rights.
Under the current law, medicines are mainly distributed through pharmaceutical wholesalers. However, drug manufacturers can also sell medicines directly to pharmacies and to medicine reserves held by private clinics. Medical gas producers are also allowed to supply healthcare facilities directly.
According to a source familiar with the case, pharmacists are not concerned about the role of wholesalers, which is already established in law. Their main concern is that pharmacies could lose the right to buy medicines directly from manufacturers.
If that happens, pharmacies would have to place all orders through wholesalers. Pharmacists fear they would lose discounts and other commercial terms currently offered by manufacturers. They say those benefits help them maintain stock levels and support the financial viability of their businesses.
The source added that such a change would also give wholesalers a much stronger position in the market. They would become the main link between pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies, giving them greater influence over how medicines are supplied.
The concerns come as details of the proposed amendment remain unclear.
While Bill 27.26 has been approved by the lower house, officials have not publicly explained whether Article 26 will be changed or what the final changes could look like.
The CSPM said lawmaking remains the responsibility of the country’s institutions, but stressed that it would continue to defend the interests of pharmacists. It also called for continued dialogue between all parties to protect the balance of the pharmaceutical sector while ensuring patients have access to medicines.
