Morocco to Receive 2.8 Million Levothyrox Boxes Amid Thyroid Medication Shortage

In Morocco, the availability of Levothyrox, which is nevertheless important in the treatment of thyroid problems, is still a problem. Thus, recalls TelQuel, after several stock shortages recorded on this drug, the Minister of Health, Anas Doukkali, had announced on August 23 an additional supply of 1.6 million boxes between August and November.

Interviewed by the media, Jamal Taoufik, the Director of Medicines and Pharmacy, stated that "the quantities expected between the months of October and November concern the dosages of 25, 50 and 100 µg, respectively, 971,820, 749,520 and 1,073,520 boxes that will be supplied", for a total of nearly 2.8 million boxes.

According to him, "in general, the monthly Moroccan consumption is around 300,000 to 320,000 boxes", which allows him to reassure patients that "these orders would cover several months of Levothyrox consumption, nationwide".

However, despite the government’s efforts to make the product available to beneficiaries, pharmacists continue to doubt the Minister’s good faith, denouncing "publicity stunts".

In this vein, a pharmacist confided to the same media: "The situation has not changed since the end of August. We still receive boxes in dribs and drabs. Generally, I receive three boxes of each dosage (9 boxes) every two weeks."

A similar observation is made by another pharmacist in the metropolis, who states: "We rarely receive any. As for me, I generally receive a maximum of 5 boxes of each dosage once a week. And, even then, there are weeks when we receive nothing."