Iraq destroys nearly 9 million units of ‘non-compliant’ medicine

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Health announced Tuesday that nearly 9 million units of “non-compliant” medicine have been destroyed after thousands of inspections at private healthcare institutions.

“The Inspection Department at the Ministry of Health has completed the legal procedures and successfully destroyed 8,962,207 units of non-compliant medicine during 2024,” the ministry said.

Sabah Nouri Al-Khazali, director general of the Inspection Department, said the medications were confiscated during “21,675 inspection visits conducted by teams from the Private Health Institutions Inspection Section in coordination with health directorates across various private healthcare institutions.” The inspections also uncovered several unlicensed facilities involved in illegal drug distribution.

Al-Khazali stressed the ministry’s ongoing commitment to tracking pharmaceutical sources—from scientific offices and medical warehouses to private pharmacies. “We are committed to responding to all reports and complaints related to public health and medical security while maintaining close cooperation with security, intelligence, and professional organizations to ensure the availability of safe, effective, and officially priced medicines in the local market,” he said.

The ministry also highlighted the launch of the National Drug System, a digital platform that provides detailed information on available medications. The system enables inspection teams to monitor pharmaceuticals electronically via tablets and allows citizens to verify official prices through the “Gudea” app, ensuring access to safe, properly regulated medicine.