Algeria to save 500 million dollars after medicines import decision

Algeria's decision to stop importing locally-produced medicines will save up $500 million of its annual pharmaceutical imports cost, according to the permanent secretary of Algerian pharmaceutical industry union.

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• “The implementation of the government council’s decision to prohibit locally-produced medicines import will allow Algeria saving 30 percent of its annual invoice. That means $500 million,” Abdelkader Chibila said.
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• The government approved the decision on October 21 obliging multinational laboratories in Algeria to make investments in the country after 2 years of importing medicines.
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•  Chibila also said the government’s decision would create 1,000 direct new jobs in the sector of pharmaceutical industry.
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• “Multinational laboratories will have to invest in Algeria making high technologies transfer in pharmaceutical field possible;” he added.
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• He believes the number of Algeria’s annual imported medicines exceeds the list of the World Health Organization Essential Medicines.
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• “The 129 medicines list not allowed to be imported has not been disclosed yet though Algerian public and private operators are insisting on it,” he added.