Algeria moves to cut drug imports by 60%

Algeria has launched several nationwide projects to locally produce raw materials used in medicine manufacturing, a move expected to cut import costs by 60% in the short term, Industry Minister Ouacim Kouidri said Thursday.

Speaking before the Council of the Nation, Kouidri said the Saidal group is spearheading strategic projects that will reduce the country’s $3 billion bill for imported pharmaceutical inputs. Local production already covers about 82% of domestic drug needs.

The projects target key medicines, including anticancer drugs, antibiotics, cardiovascular and diabetes treatments, paracetamol and hormones, with support from private laboratories and foreign partners.

Kouidri also noted improved drug availability nationwide, with only 16 medicines currently unavailable due to global shortages, adding that alternatives are in place and supplies at the Central Pharmacy of Hospitals have improved.