The online sale of medicines, which is booming in Morocco and around the world, poses a serious public health problem. The Minister of Health, Amine Tahraoui, expressed his concern on this subject during a recent oral question session in the Chamber of Advisors. He highlighted the dangers associated with this unregulated activity, which exposes citizens to counterfeit or expired products, and insisted on the need to favor official channels to guarantee patient safety.
This illegal practice, escaping any health control, constitutes a global challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 10% of medicines circulating in developing countries are counterfeit, with a significant portion sold via the Internet. These products, often questionable, represent a direct danger to the health of consumers.
Amine Tahraoui also recalled that pharmacies, hospitals and pharmaceutical establishments, which are subject to strict standards and rigorous control, are not affected by this phenomenon. To counter illegal sales, legal measures have been put in place, including the strict application of Law No. 17.04 on the Medicines and Pharmacy Code.
Morocco has also ratified the “Medicrime” Convention, an international treaty aimed at criminalizing the production and distribution of counterfeit medicines. This convention establishes a framework for cooperation between health authorities, law enforcement and customs to effectively combat this scourge.
-The ministry also called for raising public awareness of the risks involved and strengthening controls. A circular addressed to attorneys general encourages the rigorous application of these legal provisions, confirming the government’s commitment to protecting citizens against the dangers linked to these illicit practices.
Source : Hespress
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