Morocco Strengthens Transparency in Public Pharmaceutical Markets
Morocco Enhances Transparency in Pharmaceutical Public Procurement
On Wednesday, the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Amine Tahraoui, stated in the House of Representatives that the acquisition of medicines is conducted exclusively within the legal framework governing public procurement. He emphasized that all operations are carried out with companies operating under commercial law, in line with the principles of transparency, fair competition, and equal opportunity.
Speaking before the Social Sectors Committee, Tahraoui stressed that medication purchases are not based on individual decisions or personal judgments. They are strictly regulated by the decree governing public procurement, which outlines the procedures, eligibility criteria, and obligations surrounding transparency.
He reminded the attendees that each procurement is subject to rigorous oversight by the competent services of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and is systematically published on the national public procurement portal, ensuring fair access for all operators.
The Case of Potassium: Strict and Transparent Bidding Process
Addressing reports of an alleged conflict of interest, the minister clarified that the procurement of potassium chloride was awarded to a local producer through a strict bidding process, not to an importing company with only a temporary authorization.
He reiterated that public contracts can never be awarded to individuals but only to commercial companies, reaffirming strict compliance with existing regulations, without exceptions or differential treatment.
The AMMPS at the Heart of Pharmaceutical Regulation
Regarding the management of medication authorizations, the minister pointed out that this responsibility falls to the Moroccan Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AMMPS), established to rectify ongoing dysfunctions and enhance medication safety.
AMMPS Director Samir Ahid outlined the challenges faced by the holder of the potassium chloride authorization: temporary production stoppages, industrial upgrading work, and prolonged technical exchanges with regulatory authorities.
Given the critical importance of this medication, particularly in resuscitation and cardiology, the AMMPS has implemented enhanced technical support. This includes, if necessary, activating exceptional import authorization, maintaining ongoing coordination with production units, and expediting marketing authorization revision procedures.
Exceptional Imports: A Controlled Mechanism
In 2024, the AMMPS noted a significant increase in exceptional import authorizations due to tensions in international markets. However, thanks to corrective measures—improved oversight of the national stock, heightened coordination with manufacturers, strict application of safety stock levels, and accelerated registration processes—a decline has been recorded in 2025.
These efforts have helped avoid shortages of a critical medication in cardiac emergencies and ensured the continuity of treatments for patients.
Parliamentary Debate: Safety, Prices, and Pharmaceutical Sovereignty
Members of the ruling majority praised the establishment of the AMMPS, viewing it as a crucial lever to address sector challenges, including supply security, quality control, and market oversight.
They also raised issues regarding the high prices of certain medications and the decline in industrial self-sufficiency.
In contrast, some opposition groups criticized the management of pharmaceutical procurement processes and proposed the establishment of an investigative commission on this matter. They underscored the need to strengthen the national pharmaceutical industry to bolster the country’s medicinal sovereignty.
