The Chairman of the EDA, Dr. Ali El-Ghamrawy, delegated Dr. Tamer Elhossieny, Vice Chairman, to chair an expanded meeting held by the Authority with representatives of the Pharmaceutical Industry Chamber and senior executives of pharmaceutical distribution companies, to discuss the current status of implementing the regulatory decision governing the withdrawal of expired medicines.
The meeting was attended by MP Dr. Karim Badr Helmy,; Dr. Gamal El-Leithy,; Dr. Yousry Nawar, and Dr. Mohamed El-Sheikh. The meeting also included several leaders of pharmaceutical distribution and trading companies, among them Dr. Mahmoud Abdel Gawad, Dr. Mohamed Gazarien, Dr. Aboulfotouh El-Tawil, and Mr. Walid Saada.
The meeting reviewed the latest developments in the executive status of withdrawal operations, the challenges associated with implementation mechanisms on the ground, and ways to enhance coordination between manufacturers and distribution companies, to ensure full compliance with the decision.
Dr. Tamer Elhossieny emphasized that the EDA considers the file of expired medicines as one of the core pillars for regulating the pharmaceutical circulation system, stressing that full compliance with the approved withdrawal mechanisms is a shared responsibility among all concerned parties. He affirmed that the Authority will spare no effort in monitoring implementation and taking the necessary measures to ensure the safe disposal of expired pharmaceutical products.
For their part, attendees commended the pivotal role played by the EDA in regulating and monitoring the expired medicines withdrawal system, affirming that the Authority’s efforts have contributed to establishing a clear and well-governed framework for implementing the decision, strengthening coordination among all stakeholders within the pharmaceutical system, supporting market stability, and enhancing public health protection.
The parties within the pharmaceutical system agreed to complete all procedures of the initiative by returning all collected packs from distributors to manufacturers by the end of the current week on 29 January, with manufacturers to complete sorting and review processes by the end of February, in order to provide distributors with refund values from manufacturers. Distribution companies will then compensate pharmacies accordingly through the March and April 2026 invoices.
The EDA affirms its continued coordination and cooperation with all relevant entities, as well as its ongoing follow-up on the implementation of approved plans for the safe disposal of expired pharmaceutical products.