DRAP rubbishes reports of hike in prices of essential drugs

Strongly rejecting reports of an increase in the prices of essential medicines in the country, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) on Sunday said such reports were baseless, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

In a statement, the DRAP said that no increase had been announced in the prices of essential drugs, including insulin, and life-saving drugs.

The spokesman for the Authority made it clear that pharmaceutical companies could not increase the prices of medicines on their own. “The DRAP is taking all necessary steps to ensure the provision of medicines,” he added.

The spokesman said that being a regulator of pharmaceutical companies, the Authority had issued two important advisories to them. “The companies have been directed to procure raw material for the production of medicines from different sources,” he said, adding, “They have also been asked to keep stock of medicines so that their shortage could be prevented.”

The spokesman informed that 85 per cent medicines used in Pakistan were manufactured locally, and that the present situation in the Gulf was not affecting the supply of medicines.

He clarified that there were no fears of the shortage of drugs in the country in near future since most of the firms had sufficient stocks that could last four to six months.

The spokesman urged all media houses to seek confirmation from DRAP before airing news on the shortage of medicines in order to prevent anxiety in the society.

Reporter: Babar Shahzad Turk