Abstract: Drug shortage is a worldwide problem, which gained the attention of many authorities in recent years including the Egyptian government. The problem has markedly increased in Egypt during the past few years and has had a significant negative impact on patient care with subsequent costly financial implications. Despite the importance of the drug shortage problem and its consequences on the health of Egyptians and society as a whole, only a few researchers have addressed the topic in Egypt. This qualitative study aims at filling the gap and providing a better understanding of the problem in the Egyptian context. To achieve the study objective, the root causes of the problem and the actions taken by the government to mitigate the problem are explored. In-depth, semi-structured interviews are carried out with different stakeholders including from government, industry, distributors, and pharmacies. The findings of this research revealed that the drug shortage is attributed to a myriad of interlinked causes. The most critical causes of drug shortages are as follows: the drug pricing constraints, the devaluation, economic changes, overdependence on the importation of production inputs, illegal distribution practices, excessive bureaucracy and complicated procedures, manufacturing problems, poor supply chain management, and scarcity of raw materials. The findings also show that although the government has exerted many efforts to tackle drug shortages, there is still a gap to be addressed. Based on experiences of other countries and according to the Egyptian context, solutions are proposed to help in mitigating drug shortages in Egypt which include enhancing the sustainability of the production of medicines by improving companies’ profitability, improving collaboration between various stakeholders, developing a system for reporting and communication of drug shortage information, and modifying workflow within MoHP to avoid unnecessary delays.

Egpyt is at the forefront of IVF technology in the Middle East & also a centre of Islamic education in the region.

Living with Diabetes and Uncertainty in Cairo offers an ethnographic exploration of the interactions of two different understandings of type-2 diabetes: one related to the notion of ḍaghṭ, translated as “pressure” or “stress,” and another related primarily to obesity. The book is set in Egypt but draws links to a diabetes clinic in Denmark and a multinational medical company, as well as engaging with international diabetes research and guidelines. It tells a story of uncertainty, not only among people in Cairo, but also within medical research, and considers what uncertainty may generate in both bodies and societies at large. The chapters provide valuable insight into the lives of those in Cairo who are diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, and explore how those lives are linked to global movements. The book ultimately reflects on the question of what is overlooked and why in prevention strategies and treatments of type-2 diabetes in Egypt. It will be of particular interest to scholars of anthropology, global and public health, and the Middle East and North Africa.

Drug Safety in Developing Countries: Achievements and Challenges provides comprehensive information on drug safety issues in developing countries. Drug safety practice in developing countries varies substantially from country to country. This can lead to a rise in adverse reactions and a lack of reporting can exasperate the situation and lead to negative medical outcomes. This book documents the history and development of drug safety systems, pharmacovigilance centers and activities in developing countries, describing their current situation and achievements of drug safety practice. Further, using extensive case studies, the book addresses the challenges of drug safety in developing countries. Provides a single resource for educators, professionals, researchers, policymakers, organizations and other readers with comprehensive information and a guide on drug safety related issues Describes current achievements of drug safety practice in developing countries Addresses the challenges of drug safety in developing countries Provides recommendations, including practical ways to implement strategies and overcome challenges surrounding drug safety

A comparative overview of the laws which govern pharmacy services in different countries, the organization of the medical community and health care delivery services, and the involvement of pharmacy practice within the health care delivery system. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.