Latest news with #DrugPricingPolicy
Express Tribune
31-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
In pharma JV, Pakistan to import Russian insulin
Listen to article Pakistan is set to import insulin from Russia with the help of joint ventures between pharmaceutical companies of the two countries. In that regard, a high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries Haroon Akhtar Khan. Russian government representative Denis Nazarov, senior officials of the Ministry of Industries and Production, Ministry of National Health Services and Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) were present in the huddle. Discussions focused on the purchase of insulin from Russia, progress on pharmaceutical joint ventures and the development of protocols for policy implementation. It was noted that DRAP had earlier granted permission to Genetics Pharmaceuticals, Lahore, for the import of insulin from Russian firm Zavod Medisintez. Haroon Akhtar emphasised that the establishment of a pharmaceutical joint venture between Pakistan and Russia marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations. He noted that Pakistan is a major consumer of insulin and its regular supply from Russia could greatly benefit diabetic patients across the country. He stated that in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision, efforts are underway to initiate local manufacturing of insulin. In this connection, a joint protocol between local manufacturers and Russian companies is expected to be finalised soon. He directed all stakeholders to develop a comprehensive proposal. Sources revealed that a registration letter for the import of insulin from Zavod Medisintez was issued by DRAP on May 5, 2025 in favour of Genetics Pharmaceuticals. Subsequently, the company applied for an increase in the maximum retail price (MRP) on the basis of a rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is allowed under the Drug Pricing Policy, 2018. A revised MRP letter was issued to Genetics Pharmaceuticals on June 16, 2025. The manufacturer is demanding the MRP quoted by the originator brand of insulin, Eli Lilly. However, the importer has not so far submitted any application and justification for the increase in MRP. It is relevant to mention that leading local manufacturers, Getz Pharma and BF Bio Sciences, are selling locally manufactured insulin at MRPs equal to or lower than the MRP permitted for insulin import from Russia. If the MRP of Russian-manufactured insulin is increased, it will be higher compared to that of another European company, Novo Nordisk Pharma. The importer has two options to apply for increase in the MRP of insulin imported from Zavod Medisintez: an application may be submitted under the hardship category as per paragraph 9 of the Drug Pricing Policy, 2018 and the importer should submit evidence of import in commercial quantity from Russia. The MRP will be calculated on the basis of import price of the vaccine based on the value determined by Pakistan Customs on goods declaration under the Customs Act, 1969. The MRP will be based on the following formula: trade price = landed cost + 40% mark-up. The landed cost includes the import price converted into Pakistani rupees, customs duty, import levies and expenses. The MRP will be calculated by grossing up the trade price to provide for 15% retail discount. Hardship applications will be considered by the drug pricing committee and the MRP determined on the basis of above formula will be placed before the DRAP policy board. After endorsement by the board, the recommended MRP will be considered by a cabinet committee and its recommendation will be placed before the cabinet for approval.
United News of India
28-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
5.2-magnitude quake hits Iceland: GFZ
Pakistan expected to see strong hike in price of medicines in coming weeks 26 Jul 2025 | 10:55 PM Islamabad, July 26 (UNI) Pakistan is expected to see a significant rise in the price of medicines - including many essential and life-saving drugs — over the coming weeks, as the government prepares for its annual price adjustment under the country's Drug Pricing Policy, reports Samaa TV. see more.. BNP leader says no real reform possible without representatives and a proper democratic structure through polls 26 Jul 2025 | 10:15 PM Dhaka, July 26 (UNI) Bangladesh Nationalist Party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that no real reform is possible without involving representatives of the people and establishing a proper democratic structure through a national election, adding that no government can be run by just a few individuals from abroad. see more.. Iranian exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi says over 50,000 government officials have joined him to topple Islamic regime 26 Jul 2025 | 10:14 PM Tehran, July 26 (UNI) At least 50,000 officials from within Iran's government and military have registered with a secure opposition platform aimed at toppling the Islamic Republic, according to Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last monarch. see more.. Hungarian PM Viktor Orban says likelihood of WWIII increasing, urges international community to act 26 Jul 2025 | 8:13 PM Budapest, July 26 (UNI) Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, referring to the wide array of conflicts plaguing the world today – most prominently the Russia-Ukraine war and the EU's increasing desire to be an active participant in it, has said that the likelihood of a World War III is ever increasing, and urged the international community to do all it can to prevent it, reports Russian state media TASS. see more..
United News of India
27-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Pakistan expected to see strong hike in price of medicines in coming weeks
Islamabad, July 26 (UNI) Pakistan is expected to see a significant rise in the price of medicines - including many essential and life-saving drugs — over the coming weeks, as the government prepares for its annual price adjustment under the country's Drug Pricing Policy, reports Samaa TV. 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.
Express Tribune
20-07-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
A messiah for the sick descended in Pakistan
Since the Drug Pricing Policy was announced in February 2015 and had come into effect from July, which provides a method for the annual increase in the prices of drugs according to the Consumer Price Index. PHOTO: FOXNEWS It was Chaand Raat in 1976, the night before the Eid Festival following the fasting month of Ramadan, when Bashir Rustom suffered a very severe asthma attack associated with kidney and heart malfunction. He was from Mauritius and was my classmate in the third year at Dow Medical College, Karachi. Bashir was living in the hostel and was rushed to the emergency room of the Civil Hospital, which was in the same compound. He was immediately admitted in the general ward of Medical Unit – II (section B), which was on call that evening, as there was no ICU in the hospital at that time. The Professor leading Medical Unit-II (section B) had recently moved from the UK and joined the Civil Hospital. He was informed by the duty doctors about Bashir's critical condition to seek guidance for treatment. It was not expected that the Professor would come to the ward on such a special night, which is widely celebrated in Pakistan. But to everyone's amazement, he did. The ward had minimal facilities at the time. The only equipment available were oxygen cylinders and a suction machine; there was nothing to monitor the patient's oxygen levels, pulse, heart rate, etc. Laboratory tests were limited and took a long time to report, as only one hospital laboratory conducted testing for all the thirty wards. The delays were further prolonged due to reduced staffing during the Eid holidays. Upon arrival, the Professor immediately took charge of Bashir's treatment. What the staff of Medical Unit-II witnessed that night and over the following two days and two nights had never been seen before, and I doubt will ever be seen again. Even today, when I narrate this story, people find it hard to believe. The Professor positioned himself next to Bashir's bed, monitoring his condition closely. Throughout the night, he stood or sat beside him as his condition was serious, continuously treating and observing him in an effort to save his life. But Bashir's condition did not improve on Eid day, so the Professor remained in the ward, either by Bashir's bedside or in his room, a truly extraordinary happening. A Professor choosing to stay in the hospital on Eid rather than with his family was unheard of. As Bashir's condition remained unstable, the Professor continued his care through the second night. All other duty staff kept changing according to their working hours but the Professor remained in the ward. The second day of Eid dawned but Bashir's condition was still life-threatening. He was breathless with asthma, electrolytes were disturbed, kidneys were not functioning well and heart was showing mild failure. Even though the Professor was exhausted but he continued his efforts to save Bashir. During the third night he started responding to medications. Finally, on the morning of the third day, Bashir showed significant improvement and came out of the critical state and became clinically stable. Only then did the Professor leave the hospital, after providing detailed instructions for further management. Has anyone heard of a medical specialist who offered such care, even to a close relative? I am confident there is no parallel to this in the medical history of Pakistan. Who was this exceptional individual? He was Dr. Camer Vellani, the Associate Professor of Medical Unit-II at Civil Hospital, Karachi, who had recently migrated from the UK. It was said that he had been placed at Civil Hospital by the headquarters of His Highness Aga Khan to understand the dynamics of healthcare in Pakistan. There was talk that he would later lead medical services at the under-construction Aga Khan Hospital, which proved true. For me, Dr. Vellani became a role model. I started admiring not only his clinical acumen but also his extraordinary courtesy towards patients, staff and the students. His concern for patients was unparalleled. His humility, gentleness, sincerity, and unwavering respect towards all patients was unbelievable. He treated the most underprivileged and the rich alike. Even the dirty, smelly patients were examined by him with similar details without any hesitation and given time as much as he would give to anyone from the elite class. I remember hearing the chowkidars (guards) at the OPD grumbling about the 'mad Professor' who stayed alone in the OPD, seeing patients untill after 5 p.m., long after other staff had disappeared by 1 p.m. Dr. Vellani's dedication went beyond the call of his duty, as I have witnessed him giving bedpans to the patients in the ward when the lower cadre staff were unavailable and the patient had an urgent need for it. Has any medical personnel ever seen such a spectacle? One must realize that all patients in the ward were from low income groups, to whom most of the faculty members looked upon as objects of teaching and rarely ever touched them – how could they ever provide bedpan service to any patient? Once, my brother's friend Aamir Hussain asked me if there is any outstanding doctor in Civil Hospital. His younger brother, in his late 20s, had been suffering from persistent headaches that were unresponsive to treatment. He was seen by a leading medical specialist and a neurosurgeon of Karachi and both of them considered him to be a case of depression headaches, as headaches started six months after his marriage. The family was told that the young patient is probably unhappy with the marriage and has sunk in depression, which is causing these headaches. The patient and family strongly disagreed with their diagnosis but the specialists did not took out time to examine him in detail and maintained their stance. At that time, brain scan facility was not available in Pakistan and the diagnosis relied entirely on thorough physical examination, which was not done by any of the two specialists. I recommended he see Dr. Vellani. After securing an appointment, Aamir Bhai took his brother to Dr. Vellani's home on Tariq Road, where he saw only a few referred patients in the evening. They entered the consulting room of Dr. Vellani at 6.00 pm and came out at 8.30 pm with a diagnosis – a tumour in the pituitary fossa of the brain. The diagnosis was made through a meticulous clinical examination. I was amazed at the details of physical examination done, as I had not observed any of my teachers spending more than a few minutes in examining the patient. Each clinical examination conducted and its finding was recorded in a long note, which exceeded more than twenty pages. This was a serious diagnosis and required immediate surgical intervention. Dr. Vellani gave them a referral letter for the neurosurgeon who had seen the patient earlier. An early appointment with the neurosurgeon was arranged through special efforts. Unfortunately, the neurosurgeon dismissed the diagnosis of Dr. Vellani, tossed the long note into the trash in front of the family without reading it, and called Dr. Vellani a "crazy doctor" who over estimates his clinical skills. The neurosurgeon told the family that the patient does not have any brain tumour as he had no classical symptoms and signs associated with the brain tumour and reaffirmed his belief that it was simply depression that is causing headaches and the patient should be treated by a psychiatrist. Sadly, the patient's condition deteriorated over the next six months. The family tried spiritual, homeopathic and herbal treatments also, but nothing worked. As worsening continued, he developed most of the signs and symptoms of the brain tumour. The patient was again taken to a medical specialist who also referred him back to the same neurosurgeon, as he was considered the best in the city. At that point, the neurosurgeon agreed with the diagnosis of brain tumour and operated, but by then it was too late and the young man could not survive. The family and me often wondered if earlier intervention based on Dr. Vellani's diagnosis might have saved him. In another case, Dr. Vellani diagnosed a very tiny tumour, only a few mm size in the thyroid of a patient, just by palpation and referred the patient for the radioactive Iodine Scan to diagnose suspicious cancer. At that time, the scan was done only at the Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center, where the Head of the Nuclear Medicine Department refused to believe that any doctor could ever palpate such a small tumour. But fortunately, to prove his point he agreed to do the scan and the tumour was detected. The patient received timely treatment and recovered well. In a few years, Dr. Vellani left Civil Hospital and began leading the small medical team that led the foundation for the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). I had graduated and was hired to initiate the outpatient services at the Filter Clinic, which was later named as the Community Health Center. One Sunday morning, my mother complained of unusual chest pain on the back, which she was experiencing from several hours. She took some pain killers for it but had no relief. There were no other associated signs such as radiation to arm or nausea and vomiting. I called Dr. Vellani for advice and he told me to bring her to the AKUH, where he would meet us within 30 minutes. The hospital was close to my home and we reached the AKUH within few minutes and he arrived soon. On arrival, Dr. Vellani examined her and also conducted the ECG himself, which revealed ischaemic changes indicating a mild heart attack. At that time, only limited outpatient services were functioning at AKUH under my care, hence I inquired where to shift my mother. He in his usual calm and soft tone, said, 'We will manage her here." I was surprised on this response as the in-patient services of the hospital had not started functioning till then. He moved her to the area where ICU facilities were available and made the required arrangements. He himself set up the area for her care, which had the bed, monitors, oxygen facility, me as the attending doctor and nursing staff. The blood samples were sent to the laboratory for the tests and my mother was given the required medicines and oxygen. Dr. Vellani decided to leave when blood reports arrived and my mother's chest pain settled. The entire process from his arrival to departure took almost three hours. I walked down with him towards the parking area, discussing the prognosis of my mother, her treatment plan and to thank him for this very special favour to me. I was stunned, when I saw his wife and daughters sitting in the car. They were dressed up for an occasion and waiting for him. At that point I learned then that they were en route to a faculty member's son's wedding when Dr. Vellani stopped at the hospital to see my mother. I just could not believe as he neither mentioned the occasion nor expressed any urgency during the entire process of setting up the treatment facility for my mother. What was further more unbelievable was the calm, with which his family waited in the car for three hours. In all my years in medicine, I have never encountered anyone with clinical skills or compassion comparable to Dr. Camer Vellani. There are many more examples of his clinical brilliance and humility towards the patients and their families, but I believe the above are enough to affirm that he has been an incomparable medical professional in Pakistan; and may be one of the few in the world. I have always felt very blessed that my clinical training and understanding of patient care was by someone as extraordinary as Dr. Camer Vellani – a Messiah. Dr. Arjumand Faisel MBBS, MCPS, MPH, FCPS is a leading Public Health Specialist in Pakistan. He graduated in 1979 from Dow Medical College and has served at the Aga Khan University, USAID/Islamabad and WHO/EMRO. He has been a Consultant for the World Bank, ADB, LSHTM and many other INGOs and NGOs for public health programmes.
Business Recorder
20-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
SHC rejects pharma firm's pleas seeking hike in drug prices
KARACHI: The Sindh High Court dismissed two constitutional petitions filed by a leading pharmaceutical company, which requested for the increase of the Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) of certain drugs up to 10 percent instead of 7 percent annually, approved by the DRAP. The verdict, delivered by a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Muhammad Junaid Ghaffar and Justice Mohammad Abdur Rahman, had the core of the legal dispute originated from a pricing of three commonly used medicines including Brufen (tablet) 200mg, Brufen Suspension 120ml, and Thyronorm (Tablet) 125 mcg. Abbott sought an annual MPR increase of up to 10 percent for the fiscal year 2023-24. The company's argument hinged on the historical categorization of these medicines as 'lower priced drugs' under Rule 10 of the Drug Pricing Policy, which traditionally entitled them to a CPI-linked increase of up to 10 percent. Abbott asserted that it had submitted the required calculations to DRAP on July 1, 2024, and that the authority's failure to issue a decision within the stipulated 30 days should, under Rule 7(2)(ii) of the policy, result in their self-determined revised prices being deemed approved and officially notified. DRAP, represented by the Assistant Attorney General for the Federation of Pakistan, contested this position. The regulatory body asserted that the MRPs of these specific medicines had, over successive years of CPI-linked adjustments, gradually escalated and now surpassed the maximum thresholds prescribed for 'lower priced drugs' under Rule 10(1) of the policy. Consequently, DRAP had reclassified them as 'other drugs,' thereby capping their permissible annual increase at 7 percent instead of the 10 percent sought by Abbott. This reclassification and DRAP's subsequent decision were upheld by its Appellate Board, compelling Abbott Laboratories to seek judicial intervention through the constitutional petitions, specifically challenging DRAP's order dated March 12, 2025, and previous orders from November 7, 2024, as 'illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional, without jurisdiction, malafide, and of no legal effect.' The High Court, in its detailed judgment, rejected Abbott's argument for 'deemed notification' or 'deemed approval.' The court clarified that rules allow for the deemed issuance of revised MRPs only if the submitted calculations are 'in conformity with' and represent 'correct calculations' under the policy. Since Abbott's claim was predicated on categorizing the medicines as 'lower priced drugs' despite their MRPs having already crossed the officially notified thresholds, the court held that Abbott's calculations were not policy-compliant. Addressing Abbott's contention that the same medicines were recognized as 'lower priced drugs' in the preceding year despite exceeding the threshold, the court stated that even if such a regulatory oversight occurred previously, it could not justify repeating the error. The court underlined the legal maxim that 'two wrongs do not make a right,' rejecting the notion that a past administrative lapse could serve as a binding precedent or justification for current policy violations. The court also drew attention to a crucial procedural lapse by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. The judgment noted that under Rule 10(2) of the Drug Pricing Policy, the Ministry is legally obligated to revise the thresholds for lower-priced drugs annually in accordance with CPI changes. This statutory requirement, the court observed, had not been fulfilled, thereby indirectly contributing to pricing, however, because Abbott Laboratories had not directly challenged this specific omission in its petitions, the court refrained from issuing a definitive order on this matter due to jurisdictional limitations. Nonetheless, the court acknowledged that the issue 'warrants attention' and granted Abbott Laboratories the liberty to pursue this concern independently before the Ministry or any other competent legal forum. The court directed that any such representation filed by Abbott in this regard must be decided upon by the respondent within 60 days. The Sindh High Court found no merit in Abbott Laboratories' plea for a 10 percent price increase. It upheld the decisions of DRAP and its Appellate Board as 'legally correct,' given the undisputed fact that as of July 1, 2024, the MRPs of the disputed medicines had indeed exceeded the thresholds specified for lower-priced drugs, thereby disqualifying them from such categorization. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
