Medicines: A Decree to Lower Prices Coming Soon
A draft decree aimed at revising the drug pricing system — downward — is in its final phase. It is scheduled to be presented at an upcoming government council. This announcement was made by the Minister of Health and Social Protection on Monday, July 21, 2025, before the House of Representatives. For this reform, Amine Tahraoui opted for a participatory approach, involving all concerned parties, notably industrial federations, pharmacists’ organizations, and health insurance funds.
More than thirty meetings were necessary before reaching a consensus on the new decree.
Balancing Consumer Protection and Local Production Promotion
According to the minister, “ once adopted, this text will enable a significant reduction in drug prices and will establish a balance between consumer protection and the promotion of local production. It is an unprecedented reform impacting the national pharmaceutical policy, which is a key pillar in upgrading the health system ” , and is fully aligned with royal directives and the foundations of the national social protection rollout.
He explained that this overhaul aims to ensure equity in access to medicines and to reinforce national health sovereignty. This includes a deep and comprehensive revision of the drug pricing system, restructuring of supply and distribution chains, and expansion of local manufacturing. He emphasized that Framework Law 06.22 on the national health system marks a major turning point in this process, as it explicitly provides for the establishment of a national pharmaceutical policy that ensures availability, quality, and affordability of medicines and medical devices.
A Heavy Burden for Families
On this matter, the minister acknowledged that drug prices represent a heavy burden for families and for the social protection system. Available data shows that medication reimbursement expenses increased by 31% between 2022 and 2024. This places direct pressure on public budgets, especially following the rollout of the compulsory basic health insurance (called AMO).
According to the minister, this new model is based on innovative principles, including reduced delays in price revision and a progressive implementation of the reform to ensure stability. In addition, this new model preserves low-cost medicines and encourages local production..
Mohamed CHAOUI
