TURBAT:
In December, prices of medicines and other medical equipment increased by nearly 15.40%. Charges for laboratory tests and doctor’s fees also increased. Most retired government employees have low pensions and are already struggling to meet their daily needs. How are they expected to afford medical treatment and medicines amid rising inflation?
The pharmaceutical industry itself is caught in a crisis as it has been unable to import raw materials and other equipment due to the ongoing economic crisis. This coupled with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan’s (Drap) failure to provide adequate paperwork for stalled imports has accelerated the issue. Some pharmaceutical companies have been forced to cease operations due to increasing costs and declining profits.
Even if the government takes measures to ensure the supply of raw materials to the factories, the increase in production cost will further raise medicine prices, which will adversely affect the common man. Economists say that it is necessary to reduce taxes along with facilitating the import of raw materials and medical equipment for medicines. The government should consider this and take urgent measures to resolve the issue. Otherwise, many patients’ livelihoods and survival will be threatened. If the government cannot guarantee free healthcare, then it must at least ensure the provision of affordable healthcare.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 30th, 2023.
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