There is a medical emergency in Pakistan. The situation in the wake of monsoon floods has been further compounded by the absence of necessary drugs for various ailments. As true to our culture, drug barons are out to make a profit, and bent upon fleecing the masses. It is reported that common medication for diarrhea, skin rashes, fever, flu are non-existent at pharmacies, and those on the shelves are being sold in black for exorbitant rates. Likewise, drugs for diabetes, heartburn, blood pressure and hepatitis have skyrocketed due to short supply. Even drugs produced by multinational companies are missing, and their namesake doing rounds for a tag at the cost of severe repercussions on health.
The country is caught between viral diseases emanating from stagnant waters, as well as bite of parasites, snakes and other reptiles in muddy and water-logged areas. In almost all of these backward areas, there is neither any provision of drugs or vaccines. And what is available at a cost is out of reach of the common man. This apathy is owing to bureaucratic lethargy, and the ad hocism with which civil dispensations are at work. Punjab and Sindh are said to be at the receiving end, as drugs are out of shelf and their procurement is an enigma.
The exigency notwithstanding, it is high time to see why prices of drugs are at the upper pitch in Pakistan. Pharma companies are known for minting undue profits, with patronage from concerned quarters at the policy-making level. Moreover, fake formulas and adulterated drugs have claimed innumerable lives, and there is no recourse to law or retribution. This draconian aspect cannot be ignored, as it comes at the peril of innocent lives.
As they say, there is an opportunity in disaster and the government must come down hard on drug-racketeers. Cancelling of licences and apprehending those who bargain for a higher price tag are indispensables to set in decorum. At the same time, millions in distress should be reached and medicated instantly. The state should assert itself and make sure that none becomes a casualty owing to lack of medical supplies.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 4th, 2022.
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