Egypt’s Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar has issued a ministerial decree replacing the schedules attached to the country’s anti-drug law, implementing a recent constitutional court ruling on the legality of previous amendments.
The Health Ministry said Decree No. 44 of 2026 follows a Feb. 16 ruling by Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court, which found some earlier procedures for modifying drug schedules unconstitutional.
The ministry said the move aims to clarify legislative and executive authority over updating lists of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in line with constitutional principles and the rule of law.
It added that the decision seeks to strengthen pharmaceutical and security oversight of controlled substances based on recent scientific and legal developments, supporting efforts to curb drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to implementing court rulings and maintaining a legal framework that balances strict drug control measures with constitutional compliance.
