Pharmacies in shantytowns face closure due to outlawing by the syndicate
The Egyptian Pharmacists Syndicate is set to convene a general assembly on 12th February, with the ban on pharmacies in shantytowns and the Health Ministry's decisions regarding pharmacies high on the agenda. The assembly aims to address the potential impact of these decisions on residents of shantytowns and fresh pharmacy graduates.
In an official letter sent to Health Minister Hatem el-Gabali, the syndicate has expressed concerns about the Health Ministry's resolution stipulating that pharmacies must be at least 40 square meters in size. The syndicate has requested a reduction of the minimum size for pharmacies to 30 square meters, citing the high real estate prices that make it difficult for fresh graduates to start their own businesses, with roughly 3500 graduates each year potentially affected.
The ban on pharmacies in shantytowns could deprive approximately 16 million residents of medical services, a fact that the syndicate has also highlighted in their letter. The syndicate has pointed out the potential hardships this could cause for residents of these areas, who often rely on smaller, more accessible pharmacies for their essential medications.
In light of these concerns, the Egyptian Pharmacists Syndicate has proposed several solutions. These include adaptive regulations that consider the specific needs and economic conditions of pharmacies in shantytowns, financial incentives or resources to help smaller pharmacies comply with new regulations, and community-based solutions to enhance healthcare access in these underserved areas.
The Health Ministry's decisions have been met with objections from the Egyptian Pharmacists Syndicate, and the upcoming general assembly will provide an opportunity for further discussion and potential resolution. The syndicate's concerns underscore the importance of balancing public health needs with economic considerations and accessibility, particularly for disadvantaged communities.
- The Egyptian Pharmacists Syndicate, in their correspondence with Science Minister Hatem el-Gabali, has expressed concerns about the Health Ministry's resolution on pharmacy size, advocating for a reduction from 40 to 30 square meters to support health-and-wellness businesses in Egypt, especially new graduates who face high real estate prices.
- In their effort to address the potential health-and-wellness needs of Egypt's 16 million shantytown residents, the Egyptian Pharmacists Syndicate has proposed community-based solutions, financial incentives, and adaptive regulations for pharmacies in these areas, aiming to ensure accessible medical services and maintaining a balance between public health, economic considerations, and business growth.
