Mechanism launched to rationalise drug prices
The federal government has decided to introduce a comprehensive drug pricing policy and a mechanism to rationalise the prices of life-saving medicines.
Talking to journalists on Wednesday, the Minister for National Regulations and Services Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said that prices of 92 drugs have been reduced substantially even to the extent of 400% in some cases. The formal notification to this effect has been issued, she added.
Awan said that the drug regulatory authority ordinance has been amended in consultation with the stakeholders and has been forwarded to the relevant house committee, which will present the summary in the next session to convert it into a law. She warned to launch crackdown within a week against medical stores selling substandard, spurious and fake drugs in the federal capital and asked the provinces to follow the centre.
She said that the DRA is the prime regulator to fix prices of the medicines and necessary changes have been made in the Drug Act 1997. She was of the view that comprehensive legislation was vital for cheaper and standard medicines.
She said that investment friendly policies are being introduced to fetch foreign investment in the pharmaceutical sector.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 20th, 2012.
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I dont think she knows what she is talking about here. She had zero knowledge of Communications and now zero knowledge of pharmaceuticals but only in Pakistan can a completely oblivious and illiterate minister can handle key ministries, when will get rid of these so-called 'Elected chors'?
Did you notice the '400% price decrease'? Can price decrease by 400% under in any circumstance? No
The Quality of manufacturing as well as manufacturing need to be raised. Raising prices will help manufacturer to raise their standard and make compatible to minimum international standard. A reasonable increase will help local manufacturer to expand, make wider drugs in Pakistan, and provide impetus to enter scientific reasearch. The manufacturing standard and manufacturing facilities need regular inspection for benefit of citizens.