Morocco Enhances Transparency in Public Procurement for Medications
Morocco Strengthens Transparency in Public Pharmaceutical Procurement
On Wednesday, Health and Social Protection Minister Amine Tahraoui stated in the House of Representatives that the procurement of medicines is conducted exclusively within the legal framework governing public markets. He clarified that all operations are concluded with companies operating under commercial law, in accordance with the demands for transparency, fair competition, and equal opportunities.
Speaking before the Social Sector Committee, the minister emphasized that pharmaceutical purchases are not based on any individual decisions or subjective assessments. They are strictly regulated by the decree related to public procurement, which defines the procedures, eligibility criteria, and transparency obligations.
He recalled that each contract undergoes rigorous scrutiny by the competent services of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and is systematically published on the national public procurement portal, thus ensuring equitable access for all stakeholders.
The Case of Potassium: A Strict and Transparent Tender Process
Addressing reports of an alleged conflict of interest, the minister clarified that the procurement contract for potassium chloride was awarded to a local producer through a strict tender process, rather than to an import company with only a provisional authorization.
He reminded everyone that public contracts can never be concluded with individuals, only with commercial companies, reaffirming the strict application of existing regulations, without exceptions or differentiated treatment.
The AMMPS at the Heart of Pharmaceutical Regulation
Regarding the management of drug authorizations, the minister highlighted that this responsibility lies with the Moroccan Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AMMPS), established to correct persistent dysfunctions and enhance drug safety.
The director of AMMPS, Samir Ahid, detailed the challenges faced by the holder of the authorization for potassium chloride, including temporary production halts, industrial upgrades, and extended technical exchanges with regulatory authorities.
Given the vital importance of this drug, especially in critical care and cardiology, AMMPS has implemented enhanced technical support. This includes, if necessary, activating the exceptional import authorization, maintaining ongoing coordination with production units, and expediting the review processes for marketing authorizations.
Exceptional Imports: A Controlled Mechanism
AMMPS observed a significant increase in exceptional import authorizations in 2024 due to tensions in international markets. However, thanks to corrective measures—improving the monitoring of national stock, increasing coordination with industry players, strictly applying safety stock requirements, and accelerating registrations—a decrease was recorded in 2025.
These efforts have helped avoid shortages of essential medication for cardiac emergencies and ensured continuity of treatment for patients.
Parliamentary Debate: Safety, Pricing, and Pharmaceutical Sovereignty
Members of the majority praised the establishment of AMMPS, viewed as a critical lever to address sector challenges, including supply security, quality control, and market surveillance.
They also raised concerns regarding the high prices of certain medications and the decline in industrial self-sufficiency.
On the other hand, some opposition groups criticized the management of pharmaceutical procurement contracts and proposed the creation of an investigative committee on the matter. They stressed the need to strengthen the national pharmaceutical industry to consolidate the country’s pharmaceutical sovereignty.
