Spike in medicine prices worries MPs

The Senate Standing Committee on Health on Thursday voiced alarm over steep increase in medicine prices and the growing influence of the formula milk "mafia", urging the government to tighten regulation and introduce stronger legislation to protect consumers and children's health.

During a briefing to the committee, officials said the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) would be held on August 16, while the final FSc examinations would conclude on July 20.

Authorities said the government was taking serious measures to eliminate the "mafia" involved in MDCAT preparation in an effort to ensure a transparent and fair system for students.

Discussing medicine prices, Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal said Pakistan was currently exporting pharmaceuticals to 51 countries and that deregulation of medicine prices was part of the government's policy.

He added that the deregulation of medicine prices, pending for the past 15 years, was implemented, following which prices of some medicines increased.

However, the minister noted the health ministry was continuously monitoring the situation and would take action in cases of excessive price hikes. He added that pharmaceutical companies could not be forced to manufacture medicines at a loss indefinitely.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) also presented a report on medicine prices, revealing that prices of more than 55% of non-essential medicines had increased.

According to the report, prices of 424 out of 771 brands exceeded previous rates, while 31 medicines recorded price hikes of more than 100%.

The report further stated that 62 brands witnessed increases ranging between 50% and 100%, while prices of 329 medicines declined. Only 18 brands saw no change in prices.

Drap's CEO informed the committee that 659 pharmaceutical companies were operating in Pakistan, while 394 firms were importing medicines and vaccines. The country's pharmaceutical industry recorded total sales of Rs1.32 trillion last year.

Officials told the committee that medicine prices had been deregulated during the caretaker government's tenure, and under the current law, Drap could regulate prices only for life-saving essential medicines.

The body also discussed the issue of formula milk, with the committee chairman terming it a "mafia" generating billions of rupees while endangering children's future.

The panel directed Pemra to ensure that formula milk advertisements prominently display the disclaimer: "There is no better food than mother's milk."