Algerian expenditure on imports of pharmaceuticals is expected surpass $1 billion by the end of this year, compared to $967.72 million in 2004, reported the August 9 edition of Al-Khabar daily. Expenditure on these imports during the first half of 2005 hit $520 million. Alongside with the increase in the value of pharmaceutical imports, there is also a slight rise in its volume.
Algeria has recently taken several measures to encourage the imports of this product, and it seems that it will lead to a significant rise, while local production covers only 20% - 25% of the market's needs.
