In a pioneering move aimed at facilitating patients' access to essential pharmaceutical products, controlled substances, and psychotropic drugs; while also supporting the healthcare sector across Egypt, the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) has been working in coordination with the Egyptian Pharmaceutical Trading Company to monitor the distribution of controlled and psychotropic pharmaceutical products. This initiative ensures secure supplies, proper dispensing, and improved pharmaceutical services for citizens, making it easier for Egyptians to access these critical medications.
The EDA confirmed that the development plan began in October 2024 and is divided into three phases:
Phase 1: Completion of development and the addition of Al-Amiriya ElEsaaf Pharmacy in Cairo and Giza ElEsaaf Pharmacy.
Phase 2: Completed in February 2025, adding nine new ElEsaaf Pharmacies in Mansoura (Dakahlia Governorate), Assiut, Tanta (Gharbia Governorate), Sohag, Aswan, Al-Miri (Alexandria), Port Said, Kafr El-Sheikh & Menoufia.
Phase 3: Currently in progress, involving the addition of 14 more pharmacies across different governorates. It is expected to be completed one month after the second phase, bringing the total number of ElEsaaf Pharmacies to 27 nationwide.
The EDA highlighted several enhancements included in the project as Implementing an electronic linkage between pharmacies to prevent repeated dispensing of narcotic substances, providing well-equipped storage areas in these pharmacies to securely store narcotic substances and psychotropic medications as well as establishing documentation systems to record these drugs in accordance with legal and regulatory decisions.
Previously, controlled and psychotropic medications were dispensed from only two ElEsaaf Pharmacies—one in Downtown Cairo and another in Alexandria. The EDA had announced the ""Dawana"" project in December to track these medications, enhancing digital infrastructure and integrating advanced technologies in line with Egypt’s national vision. This initiative ensures fair distribution of essential medications, particularly narcotics and psychotropics, improving accessibility and benefiting public health nationwide.