Prime Minister Urged to Reinstate Government Control Over Drug Pricing

As medicine prices continue to climb across Pakistan, healthcare experts and former officials are urging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to reinstate government control over drug pricing. The call comes in response to recent policy shifts that have deregulated prices for non-essential medicines and weakened the authority of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).

A former deputy director of DRAP has publicly appealed to the Prime Minister, warning that unchecked price hikes could make essential treatments unaffordable for millions. The deregulation, initiated by the caretaker government, has already led to significant increases in the cost of thousands of drugs, sparking fears of an inflationary spiral in the healthcare sector.

Under the previous system, DRAP regulated prices for over 500 essential medicines based on WHO guidelines. However, the government has now proposed transferring this responsibility to a new federal body, as part of broader health sector reforms. Critics argue that this move could delay price adjustments and worsen shortages of critical drugs like the Anti Rabies Vaccine (ARV), whose pricing has been pending for months.

The deregulation has also raised concerns about over-prescription and profiteering, with rights activists warning that the pharma-physician nexus may exploit the lack of oversight. While some officials claim that deregulation could attract foreign investment and boost competition, others insist that the risks to public health far outweigh the potential economic benefits.

With inflation already impacting household budgets, the pressure is mounting on the Prime Minister to act swiftly. Experts recommend reinstating DRAP’s pricing authority or establishing a transparent, accountable mechanism to regulate drug costs and ensure equitable access to essential medicines.