The initiative comes amid the drug shortage Egypt has been witnessing in recent months, which left many citizens, especially those with chronic conditions, struggling to obtain the medications they need.

In a statement by the Ministry of Health, the authority underscored the importance of the drug’s scientific name as a key standard for ensuring efficacy and safety, instilling confidence in patients regarding alternatives' safe usage.

Healthcare facilities
 

The statement explained that the initiative includes educational activities targeting all family healthcare units and centres in governorates covered by the comprehensive health insurance system.

"Digital screens have been activated in these facilities to display informative messages about the safe and effective usage of drug alternatives," the statement noted.

It added that the initiative aligns with Egypt’s national strategy to promote public health awareness and facilitate patients’ access to safe and effective drugs without compromising the quality of care provided.

Moreover, it indicated that the initiative serves the country's goal of providing sustainable healthcare services by guiding visitors in healthcare facilities to viable drug alternatives.

Pharmacists' vital role
 

According to the statement, the initiative also includes on-site pharmacists who educate patients regarding their options, fostering a holistic approach to health awareness.

The statement highlighted that pharmacists are pivotal in improving treatment outcomes and guiding patients toward effective therapeutic options.

Thus, the authority is implementing specialized training programmes to enhance pharmacists’ knowledge of drug alternatives and enable them to give accurate information to patients, ultimately reducing their financial burden. 

Health awareness
 

The statement noted that the initiative aims to clarify the "alternatives" concept and highlight their efficacy, which is equal to that of original medications.

Additionally, Safe Drug Alternatives focuses on the proper usage of medications, from selecting the appropriate drug alternative to adhering to prescribed dosages as instructed by healthcare providers.

The authority said that the initiative reflects EHA's commitment to enhancing medication education and improving public health literacy among its service beneficiaries.

Drug shortage crisis
 

Despite its strategic reserve of pharmaceuticals, the Egyptian market has been experiencing a shortage of drugs, including diabetes and blood pressure medications, which are essential in every household.

This shortage has led to widespread concern, particularly among individuals who rely on these medications for their daily health management.

In October, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the state had solved 95 percent of the drug shortage crisis, returning to the pre-shortage stage.

"The government continues to provide all the necessary financial commitments to pharmaceutical companies," Madbouly noted.

In September, Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar stressed that reducing the country's reliance on imported drugs would help resolve foreign currency shortages impacting drug availability.

Additionally, the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) has introduced a new availability service to ensure citizens can access the medications they need and assist in identifying drugs that are in shortage, according to EDA Head Ali Al-Ghamrawy.

He said 85 percent of medications needed in the local market had been secured, aiming to reach 100 percent.

Recently, Ali Ouf, head of the Pharmaceuticals Division at the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, said the government is making progress in addressing the drug shortage.

"The number of drug shortages in the local market has significantly decreased from nearly 1,000 types to about 500," Ouf added.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Health spokesperson Hossam Abdel-Ghaffar outlined the government's efforts to address the shortage of certain drugs.

He highlighted that drugs have been consistently available in pharmacies since June, noting that factories have resumed production after receiving raw materials.

In June, the EDA allowed a price hike of 20-25 percent for chronic disease medications and 50 percent for vitamins and supplements.

These price increases followed a significant drop in the Egyptian pound's exchange rate in March, raising the cost of imported raw materials purchased in US dollars.