According to Osama  Rostom, deputy head of the pharmaceutical chamber of the federation of Egyptian industries speaking to Al Shorouk newspaper, the needs for FX from pharmaceutical companies for their import needs is not being met as the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) is reported to have directed banks to offer letters of credit (LCs) mainly to food importers. Accordingly, the Medicine shortage will probably worsen as the two main challenges to producers leading to the reduced supply, hiked FX rates and price regulation, have not been resolved despite the June price increase, Rostom added. (Al Shorouk news)