The life-saving drugs have gone scarce in the country, 24NewsHD TV channel Friday reported citing the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).

It has been learnt that no brand of carbamazepine, a drug for the treatment of epilepsy, is available in the market.

Anti-suicidal drug lithium carbonate and the injection to prevent blood clots in the arteries are also not available in the market.

The 10 most important medicines for treating patients in hospitals are also not available in the country.

Streptokinase, an injection to prevent heart attack and paralysis, and Heparin, a blood thinner, are also not available in the country.

The DRAP acknowledged the unavailability of some medicines, stating that the unavailable medicines could be imported from abroad.

“The shortage of drugs occurs worldwide. Efforts are being made to ensure the availability of the drugs,” the DRAP authorities said.

Reporter: Kifayat Ali Shah