Pakistan expected to see strong hike in price of medicines in coming weeks
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has already begun receiving requests from pharmaceutical companies seeking increases. Under current rules, prices of government-regulated medicines are reviewed annually in line with inflation.
Islamabad's national inflation rate currently stands at 4.49%, and the expected price increase for essential medicines under the current guidelines could reach as high as 70% — or approximately 3.14%, according to officials.
DRAP CEO Obaidullah defending the move stressed that the adjustment is moderate and in line with economic realities - based solely on inflation data from the Bureau of Statistics.
'The prices of medicines are not being raised significantly. The revision is tied directly to the inflation rate determined by the Bureau of Statistics,' he said.
The upcoming adjustment will affect a broad range of medicines, including those critical to emergency and long-term care, raising concerns about affordability and access for vulnerable patients.
In response to mounting pressure, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a high-level inter-ministerial committee to assess 'hardship cases' — applications from pharmaceutical firms seeking price increases beyond the standard inflation-linked adjustment due to exceptional production costs.
The committee includes Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Federal Health Minister Dr Mustafa Kamal, who said the panel would present its findings and recommendations within two weeks.
'Each case will be carefully reviewed before any decision is made. The final approval will rest with the prime minister,' Kamal stated.
The official price adjustment is expected to be announced in August or September, following the committee's review and the completion of DRAP's assessment process.
Authorities maintain that the regulated increase is aimed at preserving the financial viability of the pharmaceutical industry without unduly burdening patients.
However, healthcare professionals and advocacy groups have raised concerns about the impact on low-income households, especially as Pakistan's healthcare sector continues to face significant economic instability and constraints in its supply chain.
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