The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) has moved to dispel any confusion, asserting that the government has not authorized any hike in the prices of medicines.
A senior official from the drug regulatory authority elaborated to Geo News on Thursday, stating that the government has established price parameters for 25 recently introduced medicines that were previously unregistered and unavailable within the country.
These newly enlisted medications encompass cancer treatments as well as a novel cold and flu remedy featuring paracetamol and an alternative component distinct from conventional paracetamol tablets and syrups present in the market.
The DRAP official underlined that the costs of all pre-existing, registered medicines have remained unaltered, continuing to be retailed at the prices announced prior to this development.
Back in June of this year, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet had granted its endorsement for raising the prices of 49 medicines, establishing a Minimum Retail Price (MRP).
However, the government has asserted that the rates for these 49 medications were still 24% to 77% lower when compared to similar drugs in other regional countries, such as India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. This context underscores the government’s effort to maintain affordability and accessibility of medicines despite the price adjustments.
