Algerians' medecines bill will reach up to $ 5 billion
Medecines consumption bill in Algeria is likely to rise in 2019 to $ 5 billion, according to the expectations of specialized international companies, though it is currently estimated at 2.4 billion dollars, Chairman of the National Union of Medecines Manufacturers, Abdelouahed Kerrar said while being the guest of a radio program at Algeria 1st national radio that was aired on Sunday morning.
“The applicable law is not in line with the current situation of the pharmaceutical industry and the development of the modernpharmaceutical industry, therfor it must be adapted to the current situation.
He added, in response to a question about the legal protection for Algerian pharmacists Algerians in cases of judicial follow-up, that there isa legal vacuum in this area, which would solve these problems.
Regarding the issue of medecines and pharmaceuticals imitation in Algeria, which has worsened dramatically in recent years, Dr. Karrarexplained that the national laboratory for monitoring ensures the follow-up to such abuses that affect the safety and health of citizens.
On the other hand, the guest of the program attributed the cause of the fluctuation in the night shift system for pharmacists, to the lack of protection, as a lot of professionals are exposed to attacks due to some medicines.
“Algerian individual consumption of medicines stays away from consumption rates in some countries, whether Arab or foreign, as theconsumption rate in Lebanon, for example, reached up to $ 220, while in Venezuela it is estimated at US $ 200 per capita.”