Interim report: DRAP says 50% pricing cases of drugs approved

Tells apex court pharma firms have been directed to follow guidelines

ISLAMABAD: The drug regulator informed the Supreme Court that more than 50% of the pending cases with respect to prices of drugs of pharmaceutical companies pending in courts have been decided and decision on remaining cases will be taken before end of April 2018.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) has informed that Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination has submitted interim report on April, 6, in the Supreme Court of Pakistan in HRC No. 2858/2006 with respect to progress on the roadmap approved by the apex court for disposal of pending hardship cases of drugs and court cases by pharmaceutical companies after obtaining restraining orders from various courts.

While giving details the spokesperson said that in the instant HRC case, Drap had filed an application in the Supreme Court of Pakistan to pass appropriate orders in respect of restraining orders passed by various civil and high courts with respect to prices of drugs of pharmaceutical companies.



The court approved a roadmap vide its order dated February 28, wherein Drap was directed to decide all pending cases with respect to reduction, increase under hardship category of drugs and annual increase in maximum retail prices of drugs and court cases with respect to increased prices of drugs by pharmaceutical companies after obtaining restraining order from various courts.

Following the roadmap, Drap issued notices to pharmaceuticals concerns to make. These firms were also provided opportunity of personal hearings before the Drug Pricing Committee (DPC) with respect to reduction and increase in MRPs of drugs under hardship category and annual increase as per provisions of the Drug Pricing Policy-2105.

The Court was apprised that more than 50% of the pending cases have been decided and decision on remaining cases will be taken before end of April.



The court was also informed that Drap after many consultative meetings with stakeholders and their associations have proposed amendments in the Drug Pricing Policy, 2015. The revised pricing policy will be notified after approval of the federal government.

The apex court appreciated efforts of the ministry and authority. The court advised to complete the work as per schedule and submit report in the first week of May.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th, 2018.