The rising prices of medicines has become a pressing issue in Pakistan. It affects millions of people, particularly the poor and middle class. The already underfunded and underdeveloped healthcare is further strained by hike in drugs prices. Essential medicines are becoming a luxury for the working class.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) needs to play its due role in price monitoring and control. Medicines carrying a brand name are costlier than the generic ones, and it needs to be regulated. Artificial shortage and black marketing are major reasons behind the prevailing price hike. Strengthening supply-chain monitoring and cracking down on hoarders is the need of the hour.
Moreover, dependence on imported pharmaceutical ingredients make drug prices vulnerable to global currency fluctuation. The government should encourage pharmaceutical production at home by providing tax incentives, subsidies on raw material and research support. A strong pharmaceutical industry will reduce reliance on imported drugs, resulting in stable prices.
The government must ensure that medicines remain a right not a privilege.
Zainab Sania
Lakki Marwat
