As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight of the pharmaceutical market, the Egyptian Drug Authority, through the Central Administration of Pharmaceutical Inspection and in coordination with the relevant regulatory and security authorities, carried out intensive inspection campaigns throughout May 2026. These campaigns targeted the prevention of illegal pharmaceutical practices and the circulation of medicines of unknown origin. The operations resulted in the closure of 85 unlicensed establishments across 17 governorates and the seizure of various products with an estimated value exceeding EGP 70 million.

In the governorates of Gharbia, Cairo, Menoufia, and Qalyubia, EDA inspectors identified and shut down six unlicensed facilities used for the manufacture and packaging of medicines, food supplements, pharmaceutical raw materials, cosmetics, and medical supplies. Quantities of products of unknown origin were seized before they could be introduced into the market.

In addition, the Central Administration of Pharmaceutical Inspection, in cooperation with the relevant authorities in Gharbia, Suez, Dakahlia, Sharqia, Cairo, and Fayoum, shut down seven unlicensed storage facilities containing unregistered medicines and expired pharmaceutical products.

As part of efforts to combat the illegal distribution of medicines, inspection teams also closed eight premises operating as unlicensed pharmacies in Gharbia, Sharqia, Minya, Beni Suef, Beheira, and Sohag.

Furthermore, in cooperation with the competent authorities, the Central Administration of Pharmaceutical Inspection identified 46 unlicensed clinics and healthcare facilities operating in Gharbia, Suez, Sharqia, Cairo, Minya, Giza, Kafr El Sheikh, Beheira, Alexandria, Menoufia, Assiut, and Ismailia, where inspectors found quantities of medicines, pharmaceutical products, and medical supplies of unknown origin.

On the digital enforcement front, the Pharmaceutical Inspection Department, in coordination with the relevant authorities, investigated 17 cases involving the online distribution of medicines of unknown origin, including 10 cases related to the promotion and sale of pharmaceuticals through messaging applications and various social media platforms.

The Authority also identified 39 online pages and accounts used to illegally advertise and sell medicines and medical products. The necessary legal measures were taken in coordination with the competent authorities.

In the same context, the Central Administration of Pharmaceutical Inspection reviewed 835 complaints and took the appropriate legal actions in each case.

The most significant violations detected during these campaigns included the circulation of medicines of unknown or unverifiable origin; the operation of unlicensed facilities for the manufacture and storage of medicines, medical supplies, food supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical raw materials; the operation of unlicensed warehouses, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities; the sale of pharmaceutical products not registered with the Egyptian Drug Authority; the circulation of medicines without official invoices; and the illegal sale of medicines through WhatsApp, Facebook, and other social media platforms.

Additional violations included offering medicines at prices exceeding the official regulated price, possession and circulation of unregistered cosmetic products, medical devices and supplies of unknown origin, expired medicines, as well as the seizure of unregistered insulin pumps of unknown origin.

The Egyptian Drug Authority reaffirms its commitment to continuing intensive inspection campaigns across all governorates and taking all necessary legal measures against any practices that may endanger public health or compromise the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain.

The Authority also reiterates its call on all citizens not to purchase or obtain medicines from any source other than licensed pharmacies and to report any violations through its official communication channels or via the 15301 hotline, thereby ensuring the provision of safe, effective, and high-quality pharmaceutical services while protecting the health and safety of the public.