Pakistan-Yet another increase in the prices of medicines

 DRAP approved the increase between 22% to 35% in the prices of 235 medicines

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, has increased the prices of medicines from 22 to 35 percent yet again within one month.

The DRAP notification, dated October 5, 2020, approved increase in the rates of 235 drugs ranging between 22 percent and 35 percent. This is the second increase in the prices of medicines within the span of one month. This decision will add further burden on the consumers already facing problems.

The federal cabinet approved the latest raise in drug prices, which practically is the second approval of medicines within one month. The DRAP’s earlier notification, dated September 17, 2020, to grant approval of increase in prices of 94 drugs was released two weeks later on September 29, while the second notification, dated October 5, 2020, granting approval of increase in prices of 235 medicines was released again two weeks later on October 19.

The government first increases the prices and then blamed the mafias for the price hike.  On the one hand PTI Government claims that it is trying its best to bring down the prices but on the other hand silently allowed the increase in the medicine prices. 

The PTI government continues to make medicines expensive which become impossible to buy for poor people. The drug companies are the beneficiary of such anti-people decisions.

The DRAP and Health ministry should explained the reasons of latest increase in the prices of medicines. There seems no justification for this increase as people already facing high inflation. This decision will add more problems and miseries to people.

The corona lockdown and economic crisis have badly affected the incomes of masses. The unemployment, poverty and inflation are on the rise. The falling incomes has severely affected the purchasing power of millions of people. The government should consider all these factors before making such decisions that directly affect the people.  

The people are already struggling to survive as prices of drugs, food, wheat flour, electricity, gas  and other items are continue to rise.  This increase will hurt the poor badly. The government should take necessary actions and measures to control the price hike.

                                                              The Editor