PML-N condemns hike in prices of medicines

The PML-N has condemned the PTI-led federal government’s decision to allow 10% hike in prices of medicines, claiming that the incumbent government’s policies have pushed the country’s healthcare system on the verge of destruction.

“The government has increased prices of about 900 medicines. We condemn this hike,” said PML-N senior leader Ahsan Iqbal while addressing a press conference in Punjab’s provincial capital on Saturday.

The news conference took place a day after the federal government amended the Drug Pricing Policy 2018, allowing pharmaceutical companies to increase prices of medicines up to 10%. According to a source, the decision to raise drug prices has been taken in line with consumer price index (CPI).

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) on Friday issued a notification which said the regulator has allowed pharmaceutical companies to increase prices of their lifesaving drugs by up to 7% and other drugs by up to 10% on recommendation and approval of the government and its policy board.

Iqbal also criticized promulgation of the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) Ordinance 2019 and said his party will raise voice against the ordinance in the parliament.

Through the ordinance, the government replaced the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) with a new regulatory body, the Pakistan Medical Commission, to oversee performance of medical and dental practice in the country.

The PML-N leader also rejected the government’s policy to “privatize” the government hospitals through “public-private partnership” and said the country is not just for the elite class.

“The government is on a spree to privatize healthcare facilities. Pakistan has a population of 220 million, whose majority is living below poverty line because of faulty policies of this government,” he said.

Referring to his conversation with the Young Doctors Association (YDA) members, Iqbal said the doctors’ concerns are well-founded and the government must look into their issues.

“The current government is not recognizing some 6,000 postgraduate doctors, who have experience of public hospital practice. The credential of these doctors should be recognized and they should be issued licenses so that they can serve in the public sector and in far-flung areas.”

He said the country needs to fortify its healthcare system to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

“10,000 to 12000 doctors with foreign degrees have been left in limbo as the government has not verified their licenses. This is bureaucratic negligence of this government.”

He said the current government has increased the problems of doctors and healthcare sector just as it damaged reputation of Pakistani pilots by raising issue of their alleged fake degrees.

“The PML-N will compile a National Health Charter in consultation with medical experts and present it at the Punjab Assembly and National Assembly,” he said.

Iqbal also accused the PTI government of pushing Punjab back to the Stone Age. He said it was about time for the PML-N to launch a movement against the government's policies in Punjab.

"The PML-N will soon have to start a Punjab Bachao movement. The PTI has wreaked havoc throughout Punjab. A government of destruction is in power which will destroy this developed province. [PM] Imran Khan will have to answer for destroying Punjab," he added.