mm-news-@dmin The prices of medicines in Pakistan have surged by up to 35% in recent months, making access to basic health care more expensive, creating challenges for individuals seeking medical treatment.
“During the past four months, the prices of medicines have increased by 8 to 35 percent; consequently, Business Recorder highlights growing public concern.”
The price of Cortisporin Eye Ointment has risen from Rs. 48 to Rs. 65, Caflam tablets from Rs. 337 to Rs. 371, Galvus Met tablets from Rs. 3,100 to Rs. 3,410, and Methycobal tablets from Rs. 250 to Rs. 300 per pack.
In addition, the price of Surbex Z tablets has gone up from Rs. 370 to Rs. 440, SunnyD capsules from Rs. 375 to Rs. 450, Tricardon from Rs. 995 to Rs. 1,400, Ciproxin from Rs. 550 to Rs. 708, Panadol Extra from Rs. 40 to Rs. 50, and Prono injections from Rs. 2,700 to Rs. 3,352.
“According to the report, medicines essential for treating fever, heart diseases, infections, weakness, and eye problems are among those affected. Consequently, many chronic illness treatments are now out of reach for the average consumer.”
The interim government of Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar approved a deregulation policy in February 2024, on the recommendation of the Ministry of National Health, allowing companies to freely increase the prices of non-essential medicines.
The objective of this policy was to support the struggling pharmaceutical industry and ensure the availability of financially unsustainable medicines.
“Shaukat Awan, who manages a leading pharmacy chain, noted that medicine prices continue to rise almost monthly and sometimes weekly. Therefore, patients face higher bills each time they buy their prescriptions.”
