Morocco Cuts Medication Costs, Including Cancer Treatments
Rabat – The Ministry of Health and Social Protection reduced prices on several medications, including those for certain types of cancer.
Regulators weighed price requests from pharmaceutical companies before approving the new prices.
The move applies to original medicines and generic and biosimilar drugs that are available in Morocco.
The ministry aims to make treatments necessary for patients who are fighting severe diseases more accessible.
Among the medications affected by the revision is AFINITOR 5mg, used in cancer treatment, whose price dropped from MAD 16,280 ($1,630) to MAD 11,832 ($1,185) for a box of 30 tablets.
Cefico 200mg, an antibiotic, also saw a price reduction from MAD 91.50 ($9.15) to MAD 88.90 ($8.90) for a box of eight tablets.
The decision is a component of an expansive program to strengthen Morocco's healthcare system and lessen the economic burden placed upon patients needing lengthy medical treatment.
Health Minister Amine Tahraoui announced last month that the prices of 190 chronic disease medications would drop soon, as a series of recent price reductions.
The government recently reduced prices for 169 additional drugs, predominantly chronic diseases. The price of more than 5,350 drugs has dropped since 2021.
Addressing Parliament, Tahraoui acknowledged that despite the 2023 reform capping drug prices, pharmaceutical costs remain a contentious issue.
By setting prices in motion, authorities wish to reduce the cost pressure for patients and make life-saving drugs affordable.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Maroc
3 days ago
- Maroc
Morocco Reiterates in Kigali Commitment to African Health Sovereignty
Morocco reaffirmed on Wednesday in Kigali its commitment to African health sovereignty and to the progressive and inclusive implementation of the African Medicines Agency (AMA). Speaking at the 2nd ordinary session of the Conference of the States Parties to the AMA Treaty, held on June 2-4, Minister of Health and Social Protection Amine Tahraoui hailed the creation of the Agency as a major step towards the continent's health sovereignty, enabling better access to safe, effective and quality medicines. To Morocco, this continental momentum is a source of inspiration and an opportunity for regulatory convergence,' the Minister emphasized, stressing the importance of an approach tailored to the institutional and regulatory realities of each country, based on listening, consultation and respect for national priorities. Tahraoui then called for the progressive harmonization of regulatory frameworks, the establishment of regular consultation mechanisms between national authorities and AMA, and the reinforcement of technical and human capacities on a continental scale. Tahraoui also pointed out that by end 2024, the Kingdom had achieved 88% coverage in compulsory health insurance, adding that 11 million people benefited from direct state support. A $4.2 billion health infrastructure modernization program is underway, he stated, adding that the number of university hospital centers will go from 6 to 12, while 79 new hospitals are under construction, and 1,439 primary health centers are being renovated, 70% of them in rural areas. On the industrial front, Tahraoui noted that Morocco is the continent's second-largest pharmaceutical producer, with 56 industrial units covering 70% of national needs and exports to over 45 African countries. With regard to the appointment of AMA's future Director General, Tahraoui spoke of Morocco's respect to the institutional process currently underway and full confidence in the competent commission to carry it out, in all transparency and impartiality. (MAP: 04 June 2025)
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Morocco World
Health Ministry Reduces Costs of Key Medications Across Morocco
Rabat – Morocco's Ministry of Health and Social Protection has reduced prices on several important medications, including treatments for mental health conditions, Alzheimer's disease, and hormonal disorders. The decision seeks to make essential medicines more affordable and accessible for patients across the country. Published in the Official Gazette, the price adjustments follow a thorough review of original, generic, and biosimilar drug prices currently available in Morocco. The ministry assessed pricing requests submitted by pharmaceutical companies and recalibrated the costs for the public and hospital sectors. Among the affected medications is Almantin 10 mg, widely used for Alzheimer's treatment. Its price for the general public has dropped from MAD 140.40 ($14.00) to MAD 133.30 ($13.30). The hospital price has been lowered from MAD 87.70 ($8.70) to MAD 83.30 ($8.30). Another significant reduction concerns Dotarem 0.5 mmol/ml, an injectable used in medical imaging. The public price has fallen sharply from MAD 535.00 ($53.50) to MAD 326.00 ($32.60). For hospitals, the price drops from MAD 355.00 ($35.50) to MAD 216.00 ($21.60). These are just some instances among others from the list. These price cuts represent a clear effort to lower healthcare costs, especially for patients who require long-term treatment. The ministry's move also reflects ongoing efforts to regulate pharmaceutical prices and reduce the financial burden on both patients and healthcare providers. These efforts to lower medication prices are commendable and represent a positive step toward improving healthcare access in Morocco. However, many Moroccans continue to struggle with rising inflation, which limits their ability to afford even the reduced prices. For a large portion of the population, essential medicines remain out of reach and points to the urgent need for further measures to make healthcare truly affordable.
Maroc
4 days ago
- Maroc
Operation Marhaba 2025 Focuses on Traffic Fluidity, Enhanced Security & Local Support
Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, said on Tuesday 03 June that Operation Marhaba 2025 is set to be mainly focused on ensuring traffic fluidity, enhancing security, providing local support and maintaining heightened health vigilance. Speaking during question time at the House of Councillors, Bourita stated that 29 ships belonging to seven shipping companies will operate 12 routes from the ports of Italy, France and Spain, adding that a budget of around MAD 28 million has been allocated to improve the reception infrastructure at the port of Tanger-Med. The minister also highlighted that security is set to be enhanced thanks to strengthened border control mechanisms, and that local support will be provided through 24 reception centers, including 18 in France and 6 abroad, in addition to the mobilization of additional human resources, on the High Royal Instructions. Bourita added that consulates will operate from June 15 to September 15, as usual, on a permanent basis (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays), noting that staffing levels will be increased and mobile consulates will be set up "to support this large-scale operation, placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, for the benefit of three million citizens." Health vigilance is also part of this general mobilization, with the presence of specialized teams on the roads and at rest areas, he added, emphasizing that "the aim is to improve this operation year on year, so as to live up to the ambition of His Majesty the King." Bourita also recalled that preparations for this large-scale, unparalleled operation included several meetings of the National Transit Commission, chaired by the Ministry of the Interior, as well as the organization of a Moroccan-Spanish meeting in Cadiz on May 29, in addition to thematic sectoral meetings. (MAP: 04 June 2025)
