lSLAMABAD: A considerable increase has been witnessed in the prices of medicines, especially those of hypertension, asthma and diabetes, in the market, putting additional financial burden on the patients amid rising inflation in the country.
A survey shows that the prices of different medicines have been hiked from 16 percent to 60 percent in the market over the past few weeks.
The retailers and wholesale dealers contacted during the survey say that there is no shortage of medicines in the market as the authorities concerned have conducted a crackdown on hoarders and smugglers.
According to traders, the price of Exforge tablets used to manage blood pressure has risen by 60 percent, going up from Rs1,000 per pack to Rs1,600 per pack, and of Seretide Diskus increased to Rs940 per pack, from Rs840.
The price of Mixtard 30, used for diabetes treatment, has surged from Rs760 to Rs960 per pack, reflecting a 26.3pc increase.
Similarly, the price of Surbex Z has gone up from Rs267 to Rs352 per 30-tablet pack, marking a 31.8pc increase and of Gemsoline capsules from Rs1,050 to Rs1,225 per pack, with 16.66pc surge.
The price of Osnate-D tablets has increased from Rs399 to Rs479 per pack, a 20 percent hike.
CAC tablets price has increased from Rs194 to Rs234 per bottle, Nuberol Forte’s price has risen from Rs110 per pack to Rs140, reflecting a 27.3pc increase.
The increase in prices is unjustified given the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) permission given on May 19, 2023 to pharmaceutical companies to raise prices of life-saving drugs by 14pc and of others by 20pc.
Though directives have recently been issued to Drpa by caretaker Federal Minister for National Health Services Dr Nadeem Jan for action against profiteers, including imposition of heavy fines under the DRAP Act, the situation did not improve much.
A Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (PPMA) member claims that the overall situation has improved as compared to what it was a year back.
He mainly blames the Pakistani currency’s devaluation, rising input costs (such as gas, electricity, transportation, and salaries), and increased prices of raw material prices for the drugs price hike.
He says the local pharmaceutical industry, comprising more than 800 large drug manufacturing units, including those operated by 25 multinational companies, has witnessed considerable growth despite these challenges.
He added that still it was confronted by issues like pricing disputes, quality control, economic crises, talent management etc.