The Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry, Dr. Lotfi Benbahmed revealed, in an interview granted to the DZ News channel, a big scandal of overcharging in the drug sector.
The Minister cited the example of a pharmaceutical laboratory that in 2019 imported the equivalent of 70 million euros of raw materials, whereas in 2020 and 2021 and for the same quantities and products, the invoice was 350,000 euros.
“This means that we paid more than 69 million euros each year without any added value for Algeria. This is called looting of the national economy,” said Minister Benbahmed, who did not give the name of the offending laboratory.
“We only import essential drugs. This choice is not fortuitous, it was made in consultation with the doctors through the committee of clinical experts, numbering 340 representing all medical specialties,” said Minister Benbahmed.
Currently, according to the Minister, 3 out of 4 drugs consumed locally are manufactured in Algeria. That is the equivalent of 66% in value.
“Our ambition is to reach 70% according to the commitments of the President of the Republic. In 2022, we should exceed this rate,” said Lotfi Benbahmed.
