Pharmaceutical Oversight: Algeria Secures Maturity Level 3
Algeria's national pharmaceutical system has achieved maturity level 3 in drug regulation, marking a significant development in its capabilities. Professor Kamal Mansouri, head of the Algerian Association for Health Policies and Economics, confirmed this achievement, noting it reflects advanced national capacities in overseeing medical products and reinforces Algeria's standing among countries with sophisticated regulatory systems.
This milestone extends beyond symbolic recognition, directly enhancing the pharmaceutical system's performance. It strengthens evaluation and control mechanisms while firmly establishing requirements for quality, safety, and effectiveness, primarily benefiting the health of citizens. Professor Mansouri highlighted that Algeria has made substantial progress in building its national drug system through developing local pharmaceutical industries and bolstering capacities in production, regulation, and control.
Strengthening national production is identified as a crucial element for ensuring drug security, particularly given the volatility of international markets and global supply chain disruptions. This focus has enabled Algeria to reduce its reliance on external sources, especially for pharmaceutical products that can be manufactured domestically, with the local pharmaceutical industry now contributing approximately 80% to the overall drug fabric. The achievement of advanced regulatory levels is also seen as a catalyst for export development, encouraging sustained investment in research and development, product quality improvement, and boosting the competitiveness of Algerian pharmaceutical companies.
The maturity level 3 is considered a strategic stage within an ongoing journey to evolve the national drug system, necessitating continuous modernization of regulatory frameworks and investment in national expertise. Enhancing the regulatory system is expected to have a direct positive impact on the future of the national pharmaceutical industry, fostering greater confidence in locally manufactured products and improving their access to international markets. The ultimate goal is to achieve full integration across all components of the national drug system, from industry and production to regulation, control, and distribution, creating a cohesive framework capable of ensuring drug availability and supporting the sector's economic sustainability.
