Moroccan Pharmacists Raise Alarm Over Coin Shortage
On November 2, 2026, the Confederation of Pharmacists in Morocco formally reached out to the Governor of the Bank of Morocco, urging immediate intervention to tackle the critical shortage of small coins. This shortage primarily affects the denominations of half dirham, one dirham, five dirhams, and ten dirhams, which have become a daily source of hassle for pharmacies throughout the country. The confederation emphasized that the ongoing scarcity disrupts normal transactions within pharmacies, as the official prices of many medications include fractions of a dirham, necessitating the availability of coins to complete sales and provide change to customers effectively.
In its correspondence, which was shared with "Morocco Daily News", the pharmacists' confederation highlighted the ongoing difficulties pharmacies face in obtaining these crucial coins, despite their dealings with various banking institutions. They have consistently approached their respective bank branches in hopes of acquiring sufficient quantities to manage daily operations. The implications of this situation extend beyond financial concerns; it also affects customer relations, as the absence of coins may lead to awkward situations during payment processes. This can cause disputes between pharmacists and customers due to the inability to provide change, which could ultimately impact the quality of services offered.
In light of the escalating crisis, the confederation has called on the Bank of Morocco to conduct a field study to assess the extent of the shortage and to implement practical measures that ensure banks are stocked with adequate and regular supplies of coins. This approach aims to meet the needs of pharmacies and other economic actors. Additionally, they proposed the establishment of a coordination mechanism with banks to facilitate pharmacies' access to coins without hindrances, along with exploring the possibility of allocating periodic quotas based on their needs to prevent recurring shortages that disrupt daily transactions.
The confederation asserts that their letter, dated September 2, 2026, is not merely an expression of professional concern, but rather seeks to find a sustainable institutional solution that guarantees smooth financial transactions while safeguarding the rights of both citizens and professionals. They expressed their readiness to meet with the relevant authorities at the Bank of Morocco to discuss strategies for overcoming this crisis.
As reported by achkayen.com.
