The president of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El Sisi, issued directives for the Ministry of Health and Population to commission one of the state-owned companies to import missing drugs that do not have a substitute in the Egyptian market, as soon as possible, according to the Ministry of Health Spokesperson, Khaled Mogahed. About 146 drugs are missing in Egypt, which include drugs for chronic diseases, and their imports bill is expected to reach up to USD186mn, to be financed by the government. Mogahed added that the Ministry has not yet reached a solution for local producers’ sudden hike in cost upon floating the EGP, and that discussions for solutions are still ongoing. (Al Masry Al Youm)