Moroccan Pharmacists' Unions Oppose Opening Pharmacy Capital

The Moroccan National Confederation of Pharmacists' Unions has voiced strong opposition to proposals that would open up the capital of pharmacies to investors, a move they believe fundamentally misunderstands the nature of pharmaceutical services. In a formal memo submitted to the head of the Competition Council, Ahmed Rahou, the confederation unequivocally rejected these recommendations, emphasizing that the development of pharmaceutical services hinges on enhancing the pharmacist's role within the health system, not on altering ownership structures.

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The confederation affirmed that this step is not professionally accepted, recalling that its rejection was previously expressed collectively during the national protest organized on April 9 in front of the Council's headquarters.

This stance is not new; it echoes the collective rejection expressed during a national protest held recently. The confederation argues that current legal provisions are adequate for managing pharmacy operations, including the employment of multiple pharmacists based on turnover. However, they note that the effective implementation of these laws is contingent on decisions from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. The core concern is that opening capital could lead to market concentration, a reduction in the number of pharmacies, and a threat to the "community pharmacy" model that is a hallmark of the Moroccan experience.

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Developing pharmaceutical services does not require changing the nature of pharmacy ownership; rather, it passes through strengthening the health role of the pharmacist and expanding his duties within the health system.

Beyond the professional and structural implications, the unions highlight significant social and economic risks. They warn of potential bankruptcies for numerous pharmacies, leading to the loss of thousands of jobs. Furthermore, they caution against the dangers of market monopolization, which could transform the sector into a purely profit-driven activity at the expense of public health. This perspective underscores a deep-seated concern within the profession that external investment could undermine the essential health and social functions that Moroccan pharmacies provide, particularly in ensuring equitable access across the country.

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The proposed recommendations could lead to market concentration and a reduction in the number of pharmacies, threatening spatial balance and undermining the 'community pharmacy' model that characterizes the Moroccan experience.

The confederation also criticized the continued circulation of a significant portion of medicines outside legal channels, which harms pharmacies, deprives the state of tax revenue, and disrupts the social security system. They advocate for reforms in pharmaceutical training to align with market needs, including increased hospital employment and the development of specializations. Ultimately, the unions assert that true reform lies in enforcing existing laws and implementing previously agreed-upon measures, emphasizing their readiness to contribute to any reform process based on dialogue and consultation. This approach prioritizes the health and well-being of the Moroccan people over purely commercial interests.

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The confederation raised this memo as a message of objection and an affirmation of the categorical rejection of opening pharmacy capital, whether to investors from outside the profession or from within it.