Pharmaceutical regulations in Iraq: from medicine approval to postmarketing

Abstract

Background: Recent information on regulation of the pharmaceutical sector in Iraq is scarce. Aims: This report summarizes the regulations governing pharmaceutical products in Iraq, assesses the challenges faced and makes recommendations to tackle these issues. Methods: The Iraq pharmaceutical country profile 2020, prepared by the Iraqi Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020, was the main source of information. Results: Despite all the efforts by the Ministry of Health to provide adequate and safe medicines, the Iraqi pharmaceutical sector has several challenges, including inadequate budget allocated to the ministry, shortages in essential medicines,underutilization of electronic technologies in the management of regulation-related work, a large number of substandard and falsified medications in the private sector and a stagnant national pharmaceutical industry. Conclusion: The Ministry of Health needs more financial support from the federal government to fund its activities and technical support from international health organizations to provide training and resources.