mm-news-@dmin Pakistan is facing an acute shortage of life-saving medicines, with 79 essential drugs, including insulin, currently unavailable as the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has warned that the crisis poses a grave threat to the lives of millions of patients across the country.
According to local media, the PMA expressed deep concern over the unusual. Severe shortage of vital medicines, saying that at least 80 essential drugs are unavailable, 25 of which have no substitutes. These include critical medicines for diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cardiovascular diseases, and psychiatric conditions.
The association warned that the situation is endangering patients with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. For example, the unavailability of long-acting insulin injections is preventing diabetic patients from controlling blood sugar, raising risks of kidney failure, blindness, and amputations. Similarly, transplant patients are at risk of deadly fungal infections due to the shortage of an essential antifungal drug.
Calling the crisis a humanitarian issue. The PMA urged the government to approve a realistic drug pricing policy that takes production costs into account. Making the manufacturing of essential medicines financially viable. It also highlighted the unchecked black market trade, which has caused repeated price surges. A vial of insulin, for instance, now costs more than three times its regular price in the black market, making it unaffordable for most families.
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The association demanded a nationwide crackdown on profiteering networks and the establishment of a powerful task force comprising the Ministry of Health, PMA, and the pharmaceutical industry. This body should have authority over imports, licensing, and production to resolve the crisis swiftly.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) was strongly criticized for failing to perform its core duty of ensuring safe and effective medicines. While DRAP has linked the shortage to international supply chain disruptions. The PMA dismissed this as an inadequate explanation and an attempt to divert attention from domestic policy failures.
The statement demanded that DRAP be held accountable for its inaction and lack of foresight. Urging it to move beyond vague assurances and take concrete measures. Including emergency import facilitation and full transparency in its actions.
