Algerian Minister: French Lobbies Pushing for Imposition of Pharmaceutical Products on Algeria
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Algeria’s Minister of Industry and Pharmaceutical Production, Ali Aoun, has raised concerns about the recent issue of dental anaesthetics, stating that it is not a problem of scarcity but rather an attempt by undisclosed lobbies to impose a French medicine that Algeria had previously rejected. Speaking during a press conference in Bouira, Minister Aoun criticized this behavior, describing it as dangerous and driven by ulterior motives.
Minister Aoun emphasized that the scarcity of dental anaesthetics was not the root cause of the issue. Instead, he pointed to the influence of certain lobbies that sought to enforce the use of a French medicine, which was priced three times higher than the existing medication. He did not explicitly name the lobbies involved but indicated their dissatisfaction with Algeria’s rejection of the medicine.
Aoun reassured the public that the drug is currently available in sufficient quantities across public hospitals and private clinics. He stated that there would not be any future problems regarding the availability and stability of the drug.
Highlighting the progress of Algeria’s industry, Minister Aoun mentioned that 85% of the industry is under private investors’ control, which he considered a positive development. He encouraged these investors to seek larger sources of funding beyond state support to further advance the country’s industrial sector.
During his visit to Bouira, Minister Aoun inaugurated a production unit, VMS Industrie, specializing in the manufacturing of bicycles and motorcycles. The unit, spanning over 7,000 square meters and employing approximately 440 workers, has a production capacity of over 20 units per year. Minister Aoun commended the integration rate achieved by utilizing locally manufactured “fer plat” iron, considering it a source of pride for the nation’s development and economy.
Furthermore, Minister Aoun emphasized the need to direct investments towards the southern regions of Algeria, citing the benefits offered by the investment law. He acknowledged the importance of lifting obstacles to investment projects and highlighted that the inauguration of the VMS Industrie factory was in accordance with the recommendations of the President of the Republic, following an unjustified six-month delay. He pledged the industry and pharmaceutical production sector’s support for this type of industry and expressed a commitment to driving its progress.
