Drug Price Hikes Out of Control in Pakistan

Threats of shortages are constantly driving up the prices of pharmaceuticals in Pakistan. Unlike the US, where most price hikes target prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol have been affected. Pakistan’s Drug Regulatory Authority has implemented policy that sets maximum retail prices for some drugs based on the price in neighboring countries. This has lowered prices for patients and the healthcare system at large, but not without some downsides.

According to Muhammad Amir Qidwai, “On the other hand, the pricing policy impacts the procurement processes of healthcare facilities. Most government health establishments, and also several private hospitals, procure drugs through a tender process and the drug with the lowest cost usually wins the bid. This process of drug minimisation, where the cheapest treatment options are given priority, end up compromising the efficacy of treatments. The quality of services and treatment offered across numerous healthcare establishments in the country is ample proof.”

To read more, click here.

(Source: Dawn, October 13, 2022)