Unprecedent surge in medicine prices revealed across Pakistan

An unprecedented increase in the prices of medicines across the country has been revealed, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday. 

According to Chief Executive Officer of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) briefing, the prices of several commonly-used medicines have increased by several hundred percent. 

The price of Coldrex, a medicine used for colds and flu, has increased by a record 1621 percent. After which a packet of the medicine available for Rs27 has now reached Rs475.

​The price of the medicine 'Kalv' used for bone health has increased by 302 percent while the price of the common 'Ibuprofen' has also increased by more than 244 percent.

The price of the famous eye medicine 'Polyflex' has increased from Rs34 to Rs113 while the price of the medicine 'Librex' for stomach and intestinal problems has increased by 241 percent. 

Moreover, the price of the allergy injection 'Avil' has increased from Rs432 to Rs1,500 while the price of the anti-constipation syrup and drops Laxoberon has increased by 200 percent.

The medicine 'Stimital' used for nausea and dizziness has become 188 percent more expensive.

Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said that we have never had a cup of tea from any pharmaceutical company.

Reporter: Babar Shahzad Turk