Panic Buying Depletes Moroccan Pharmacies of Essential Medicines Amid Coronavirus Fears

Since the coronavirus epidemic began to spread in Morocco, the scene in pharmacies, supermarkets and other businesses is deplorable. Scenes of verbal outbursts showing the impatience of citizens who do not want to be served in order of arrival. "Moroccans have stormed the stocks of pharmacists, causing shortages of vital medicines for the sick," worries Hespress.

This attitude goes against the recommendations of the Ministries of the Interior and Health, who have constantly called on citizens to exercise restraint in the purchase of medicines. Even the various press releases from the unions and confederations of pharmacists, who have recalled that "pharmacies will not close, they will continue to open normally without any disruption", have been ignored. "We have been out of stock for days," a pharmacist in the city of Kenitra told Hespress, referring to effervescent vitamin C tablets. "We call to order them every day, and we can’t find any. Honestly, I don’t think there will be any in the coming days," he added, noting that several customers come and leave empty-handed without hope of getting any anytime soon.

These shortages are observed in all cities, but mainly affect vitamin C, certain essential, vital medicines for chronic diseases such as heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and cancer. Even chloroquine has not escaped the stockpiling, especially when it was said that it was part of the treatment for coronavirus. But fortunately, doctors and pharmacists continue to warn against its use. "This drug has side effects that can be serious for patients with coronavirus. It is ineffective for those with respiratory problems who need artificial respirators," said a doctor.

In addition to medicines, protective products have experienced stock shortages from the first days due to high demand, leading to uncontrolled bidding. Hydroalcoholic solutions have also been snapped up like hot cakes, prompting merchants to set prices according to their moods and the customer’s head. The same policy is observed with regard to latex glove boxes, which have gone from 45 dirhams to 120 and 130 dirhams.