Algeria’s Pharmaceutical Industry on Track to Meet 85% Market Demand by Year-End

BY: Dr. Hana Saada  

Algiers, Algeria | October 29th, 2024 — In a significant announcement this Tuesday, Ali Aoun, the Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production, outlined ambitious goals for Algeria’s pharmaceutical sector, aiming to satisfy 80 to 85% of the local market by the end of the year. This statement was made during a press conference following the inauguration of the central laboratory of the National Agency for Pharmaceutical Products, where Aoun emphasized that recent qualitative improvements in production are largely attributed to the commitments of the President of the Republic, who has prioritized this sector as a national focus.

Currently, local production covers approximately 75% of the market, facilitated by 213 operational pharmaceutical manufacturing plants across the country. The minister revealed that with the upcoming launch of three additional facilities specializing in oncology products, Algeria’s domestic production is poised for a notable increase. Aoun highlighted the financial burden borne by the state for importing medications for cancer patients, underscoring the critical need for local production to alleviate this dependency.

Reiterating the government’s commitment, Aoun emphasized the President’s dedication to enhancing healthcare for patients, particularly in the fight against cancer. He also noted the ministry’s ongoing efforts to provide greater support to investors in order to foster the growth of the pharmaceutical industry and boost the local production of essential medications.

However, Aoun acknowledged existing challenges in the distribution of certain pharmaceutical products, clarifying that the reported shortages are not due to a lack of availability, but rather logistical issues in distribution. “We have sufficient quantities of some medications to meet the demand for the next four to five months, but regrettably, they are not accessible in certain pharmacies,” he stated. He urged producers and distributors to collaborate closely to ensure a consistent supply of medications and gradually address these distribution challenges.

In addressing concerns about the availability of children’s vaccines, Aoun assured the public that there is no shortage of vaccines, despite a localized issue near Tlemcen where a lack of timely procurement by responsible parties was identified.

Additionally, the minister revealed that Saïdal’s project to produce pediatric vaccines is set to become operational next year. He also touched upon the ongoing legal issues surrounding the products of Groupe Pharma, which are still found in pharmacies. Aoun confirmed that his department has mandated the removal of all Groupe Pharma medications from the national market, a directive that has, thus far, not been adequately followed. “Our appeal has gone unanswered. Consequently, we have opted to file a complaint with the relevant authorities,” he concluded.

With these proactive measures and the goal of satisfying the majority of local demand, Algeria’s pharmaceutical sector stands at a pivotal moment, one that promises to enhance the health outcomes of its citizens while reducing reliance on imported products.

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