Medicine Prices in Pakistan Surge as DRAP Grants Pricing Power to Pharma Firms
Medicine prices in Pakistan may rise sharply once again. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has allowed pharmaceutical companies to set prices for 50% of all medicines.
DRAP CEO Dr. Ubaid Ullah confirmed that pricing control for half of the country’s medicines now lies with the private sector. This change has sparked serious concern among patients already struggling with high healthcare costs.
The prices of life saving drugs especially for heart diseases, diabetes, cancer, and mental health issues are already too high for many families. As a result, this deregulation could make essential treatments even more unaffordable.
Concerns Over Prescriptions and Profits
Health experts fear this move will further strain the public. DRAP officials admitted that nearly 70% of prescribed medicines are unnecessary. This adds up to Rs 50 billion in extra expenses each year.
Reports also reveal a troubling nexus between doctors and pharmaceutical companies. Some doctors are reportedly influenced to prescribe costly brands instead of affordable alternatives. In some cases, companies sponsor foreign trips or incentives to promote their own drugs, increasing profits but burdening patients.
Therefore, public health advocates are urging greater oversight. They stress that unchecked pricing could deepen inequality and limit access to care for low income households.
Impact and Possible Solutions
With pharmaceutical firms now controlling prices for half of all drugs, medicine prices in Pakistan could skyrocket. The poorest citizens will likely suffer the most, as they already spend a large share of their income on healthcare.
To address this crisis, experts suggest that doctors prescribe medicines by their generic names, not brand names. This would give patients the choice to buy cheaper alternatives available in pharmacies.
In addition, the government should strengthen price monitoring and transparency in the pharmaceutical sector. Such measures could help restore balance, protect patients, and promote fair competition among medicine suppliers.
