Big relief for patients as prices for 35 life-saving medicines approved

After a delay of two years, the federal government has finally completed a key stage in medicine pricing by approving prices for 35 life-saving drugs.

According to 24NewsHD TV, approval for the prices of a further 45 medicines is also expected soon.

The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) said the decision would help tackle medicine shortages across the country. 

The PPMA said drugs registered with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) had not been available because their prices had not been fixed.

The association said delays had left many patients without treatment or forced them to buy expensive alternatives.

Reports said medicines for cancer, heart disease, transplant patients and other serious illnesses were included in the affected list. Vaccines for typhoid, polio and pneumonia had also been impacted.

The shortage of medicines had caused serious difficulties for patients, while restrictions had also led to increased use of unregistered and smuggled drugs.

According to the channel, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal raised the matter before the cabinet and briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the urgent need for medicine supplies.

Following the approval of prices, the supply system is now expected to improve. 

The pharmaceutical association welcomed the government’s decision, saying it would create better treatment opportunities and reduce reliance on poor-quality medicines.

Reporter: Babar Shehzad Turk