Pharmacists across Algeria are demanding increased security measures following the recent murder of Dr. Mounir Nasseri in Constantine. The killing has intensified calls for protection as practitioners face recurring threats in their workplaces.
Dr. Belambri Messaoud, former head of the National Union of Private Pharmacists (SNAPO), noted the broader scope of the danger, stating: "The problem is not just in the night shift, as what happened in Constantine occurred during the day." Elias Merabet, head of the Public Health Practitioners Union, addressed the circumstances surrounding the violence in the city. He said: "The information we obtained from the Constantine crime confirmed that the perpetrator was a user of hallucinogens and had a criminal record." These incidents have left many pharmacists seeking urgent government intervention.
Pattern of Violent Attacks
Attackers seeking the prescription drug Lyrica killed a pharmacist’s husband in Ain Fekroun, Oum El Bouaghi, in February 2019. This incident occurred as part of a series of violent episodes targeting pharmaceutical staff.
In July 2021, individuals seeking psychotropic drugs attacked and set fire to a pharmacy in Ouenza, Tebessa. These events have contributed to the ongoing security concerns voiced by practitioners working throughout the country.
Pharmacists remain particularly vulnerable during extended hours of operation. Night shifts for these medical facilities typically run from 7:00 PM to 8:00 AM. Personnel operating during these periods face elevated risks, as documented by the recurring reports of violence linked to the procurement of controlled substances.
Escalating Risks for Professionals
Pharmacists in regions including Maaskar, Batna, Timiaouine, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, and Bab Ezzouar have initiated a policy of refusing to sell neurological medications. This practice serves as a defensive measure intended to minimize contact with criminal gangs and drug addicts who frequently target pharmacies for illicit supply. Practitioners have adopted this approach to mitigate the risk of violent confrontations while managing the distribution of controlled substances within their establishments.
Operational requirements dictate that pharmacies maintain 24-hour medical coverage to serve the population. Regulations mandate that pharmacists perform night shifts to meet this obligation, ensuring that essential health services remain accessible to the public outside of standard business hours. These shifts force staff to operate during periods when security risks are most pronounced, effectively linking the duty to provide continuous care with the exposure to criminal activity. The requirement for constant availability remains a central component of the professional obligations for pharmacists operating throughout Algeria.
