The Health Ministry has blamed the problem on panicking Egyptians hoarding medicines and said it would not raise prices. The Health Ministry set up a Drug Shortages Directorate in 2012 to minimize the impact by suggesting suitable substitutes for missing medicines. The central bank rationed supplies via weekly auctions, earmarking the little it had for essential items like medicine. "It's a way to push for a rise in medicine prices, which will not happen." The Health Ministry met last week with drug industry leaders to discuss an emergency plan.

Source: Egypt Independent November 25, 2016 08:07 UTC