Governmental sources have revealed a promise by the government not to raise prices of medicines of chronic diseases, indicating instead their intention to raise the prices of other mecidines in accordance with Health Minister Ahmed Emad Eddine's proposal.
This came during the meeting between Prime Minister Sherif Ismail; Health Minister Emad Eddine; representatives of pharmaceutical companies; and members of the parliamentary health committee which tackled the ongoing crisis of medicine shortages.
The companies urged expediting the proposed increase, as well as raising prices of 15 percent of the medicines produced by local companies up to 50 percent; these should be no less than five medicines, the sources added.
Medicine prices are expected to increase by up to LE50, with 50 percent of the difference in the exchange rate. Medicines currently between LE50-100 will increase by up to 40 percent, while those above LE100 will increase by 30 percent.
The companies informed the government that rejecting this proposal will lead to shortages in several medicines.
The health ministry and the representatives of pharmaceutical companies, according to informed sources, were able to get the approval of the parliamentary health committee to increase the medicine prices, to be applied in February.
The sources also indicated a conflict between heads of the companies and Ahmed al-Argawy, deputy chief of the committee, who accused them of greediness.
The heads of companies, however, objected to the accusation, saying that they used to buy the US dollar for LE8.8, compared to its recent price at LE20.
Informed source within the Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics and Appliances chamber confirmed that the health minister has obtained final approval from the Cabinet to increase the prices at the rates they agreed on.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
