In a recent discussion regarding the future of the pharmacy profession in Morocco, Ahmed Raho, the President of the Competition Council, clarified that the proposals put forth by the council concerning the opening of pharmacy capital to investors are not intended to undermine pharmacists. Instead, they are aimed at benefiting the overall system. This statement comes amidst ongoing debates in Morocco about the viability of the pharmacy sector and the concerns raised by the council’s opinion regarding market operations that could potentially affect professionals in the field.
During a seminar held on March 10, Raho expressed his disapproval of certain proposed solutions, such as closing training programs or providing direct support to specific pharmacies, labeling them as ineffective. He asserted that restricting the market would lead to a form of monopoly, allowing larger pharmacies to dominate smaller ones. He emphasized the importance of community dialogue, stating that there should be an openness to various opinions concerning a sector facing numerous challenges, as the council has only presented its perspective on the matter.
Raho further indicated that, to date, the council has not encountered alternative proposals that could effectively address the issues at hand, with the current suggestions potentially offering a success rate of 80 to 100 percent. He highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that there are approximately 5,000 to 6,000 pharmacists currently in training, raising concerns about their future prospects. In light of the prevailing circumstances, he mentioned that graduates have two options: open a pharmacy in an unprofitable location, leading to possible bankruptcy, or change professions after seven years of training.
Advocating for the opening of pharmacy capital to investors, Raho clarified that this idea is not a novel concept originating from the council but rather an observation derived from practices in other countries, such as the evolving French model. He reported that there are around 14,000 pharmacists in Morocco, some of whom are nearing retirement or may pass away. He questioned the rationale behind denying individuals the right to purchase a pharmacy with the support of an investment fund, challenging the notion that they should solely rely on personal finances.
Moreover, Raho posed an important question regarding the inheritance of pharmacies, asking why a pharmacist would pass their business to their child. He emphasized that graduates from diverse backgrounds should have the opportunity to open a pharmacy if they have an investor by their side. He articulated that the objective of establishing pharmacy chains is to ensure that there are two or three pharmacists in each pharmacy, rejecting the dominance of a singular perspective on an issue that affects not only professionals but also the health of all citizens.
The Competition Council's opinion has sparked significant backlash among pharmacists, who fear that it may pave the way for investors focused solely on profit margins. In response to the situation, the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Ameen Al-Tahraoui, recently stated that the council's opinion does not align with the current directions of the ministry and clarified that any potential developments in this area will follow a participatory approach.
As reported by thevoice.ma.
