German firm blamed for insulin shortage

Aseefa raises concerns over slow internet speeds nationwide

ISLAMABAD:

The issue of insulin shortage was raised in the National Assembly on Friday, with parliamentary secretary informing the house that an insulin product used by patients with Type 1 diabetes was in short supply in Pakistan after its German manufacturer halted supplies while upgrading its products.

Responding to a matter raised by MNA Syeda Amna Batool, the secretary said there had been no shortage until June, with stocks available until September. However, supplies from Germany were disrupted in October, leading to the current shortage.

He said supply disruptions were also reported in Europe. "The impact of the shortage is being felt not just here, but across Asia, as well as in Australia and Europe."

The secretary further said alternative insulin products with the same dosage and mode of action were readily available in Pakistan and that patients could switch to them on their doctors' recommendation. "The product is manufactured in Germany. It is an issue that we are trying to resolve.

The lawmakers also raised the issue of slow internet speeds across the country.

During Question hour, the Ministry of Information Technology told the House that Pakistan had 210 million mobile subscribers, including 161.7 million mobile broadband users.

Lawmakers were also briefed on the Cabinet Division's spending plans to digitise government officials' performance reports, an insulin shortage and the national cricket team's performance.

PPP MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari complained that connectivity was poor across the country and that even 4G was not working in Nawabshah. She said internet speeds needed to improve for all citizens, including businesses.

Abdul Qadir Patel, a member of the panel of chairpersons, sarcastically asked whether 4G had died and that was why 5G was being introduced.

He said internet speeds had deteriorated further since the current government took office. When Parliamentary Secretary Sabeen Ghauri was unable to explain what 5G meant, Aseefa offered to explain it to her.

The Ministry of IT said Pakistan had 210 million mobile subscribers, of whom 161.7 million used mobile broadband. In the first phase, 5G services would be stabilised in 24 cities before being extended to other urban centres.

Proposals to reduce mobile taxes, promote local manufacturing and allow duty-free imports of 5G equipment were also under consideration.

Officials said 3G and 2G services were affected in some areas by unrest and militant activity.

The ministry also outlined its Spark and Elevate programmes to promote research and innovation.