Medicine Prices Are Climbing Fast—Here’s What You Need to Know
A Growing Concern for Patients Across Pakistan: In recent months, the cost of essential medicines in Pakistan has surged dramatically, leaving many patients struggling to afford their prescriptions. From antibiotics to chronic illness treatments, price hikes are affecting nearly every corner of the pharmaceutical market.
How Much Have Prices Increased: An informal market survey revealed that medicine prices have jumped between 8% and 35% over just four months. Commonly used drugs such as Cortisporin eye ointment rose from Rs48 to Rs65, while Caflam tablets increased from Rs337 to Rs371 per pack. Other notable hikes include:
- Galvus Met: Rs3,100 to Rs3,410
- Methycobal: Rs250 to Rs300
- Surbex Z: Rs370 to Rs440
- Sunny D: Rs375 to Rs450
- Lerace D: Rs550 to Rs664
- Tricardin: Rs995 to Rs1,400
- Ciproxin: Rs550 to Rs708
- Panadol Extra: Rs40 to Rs50
- Perno injections: Rs2,700 to Rs3,352
These medications are vital for treating conditions such as fever, heart disease, infections, and general weakness.
Why Are Medicine Prices Rising: The spike in drug costs can be traced back to a deregulation policy approved in February 2024 by the caretaker government led by Anwaarul Haq Kakar. This policy, recommended by the Ministry of National Health, allowed pharmaceutical companies to set prices for non-essential drugs not listed in the National Essential Medicines List (NEML).
The goal was to support pharmaceutical manufacturers facing rising production costs and ensure the continued availability of financially unsustainable drugs. However, the outcome has been mixed.
The Impact on Pharmacies and Patients: Pharmacy owners report that patients are increasingly unable to afford full prescriptions. Many are opting to buy fewer tablets than prescribed—sometimes just half the recommended dosage. Discounts are being requested more frequently, but store owners say they can’t absorb the financial strain.
“Medicine prices are rising monthly or even weekly,” said Shaukat Awan, a pharmacy chain manager. “Patients are consistently facing higher bills.”
Tariq Hussain, a medical store owner, added, “People are now taking 15 or 20 tablets instead of the prescribed 30 due to affordability issues.”
Chronic Illnesses Hit Hardest: Drugs for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and mental health are among the most affected. Without a national health insurance system, most healthcare expenses in Pakistan are paid out-of-pocket, making these price hikes especially devastating for low-income earners.
Dr. Ikram Shah emphasized, “Laborers and daily wage earners who rely on daily medication are suffering the most. The absence of financial support mechanisms is making things worse.”
Concerns Over Industry Practices: The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services and Regulations has raised alarms about cartelization within the pharmaceutical sector. While deregulation was intended to foster competition, the committee claims that companies have instead formed cartels and imposed unprecedented price increases.
Committee Chairman Senator Aamir Waliuddin stated, “These price hikes driven by profiteering are unacceptable at the cost of public health.”
What’s Next for Pakistan’s Healthcare System: As medicine prices continue to climb, the need for regulatory oversight and financial support for patients becomes more urgent. Without intervention, access to essential healthcare could become a luxury for many.
This evolving situation underscores the importance of balancing industry sustainability with public health priorities. For now, patients and pharmacies alike are left navigating a system that’s becoming increasingly unaffordable.
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