There’s no shortage of essential drugs: PPMA

KARACHI: Essential medicines, including insulin and other life-saving drugs, remain widely available across Pakistan and their prices have not increased despite a more than 20 percent rise in petrol and diesel prices, pharmaceutical industry representatives said on Saturday. In response to some unverified media reports, Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) said that prices of essential medicines, which are regulated by the government, have remained unchanged in recent months and no increase has been allowed, even as fuel costs, freight charges and import expenses for raw materials have risen due to the ongoing regional situation. They maintained that there is no shortage of medicines in the country, with both essential and non-essential drugs available in sufficient quantities. Medicines such as insulin, antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs, anti-hypertensives, anti-diabetics and vaccines are being supplied without interruption. According to the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufac-turers Association, the country’s drug manufacturers have absorbed significant cost pressures linked to the import of active pharmaceutical ingredients and other inputs, while ensuring that production and distribution systems continue to function smoothly. Officials said that despite the increase in petroleum prices and higher transportation costs, the industry has not passed on the burden to patients in the case of essential medicines, which remain price-controlled and accessible. Industry representatives reiterated that around ninety percent of medicines used in Pakistan are produced locally, and manufacturers currently have adequate stocks of raw materials and finished products to meet demand across the country. They added that the pharmaceutical sector has managed to maintain supply chains and ensure uninterrupted availability even under economic and logistical pressure. However, they pointed out that the unavailability of certain life saving and advanced therapies is linked to delays in government price notifications, despite prior approvals by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan. “These include a number of modern cancer therapies, vaccines, immunoglobulins and other critical medicines, whose prices have been approved but not formally notified, preventing their regular availability in the market, ” an industry official said. The association emphasised that timely notification of approved prices would improve availability of these medicines and reduce pressure on patients already facing rising treatment costs. Despite the challenging environment, the pharmaceutical industry reiterated its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to medicines and supporting the healthcare system, while urging the government to address policy bottlenecks to ensure availability of all critical therapies. PPMA also urged media outlets to exercise restraint and avoid airing or publishing unverified reports during the current challenging situation, adding that sensational or unconfirmed information can create unnecessary panic, disrupt medicine supply perceptions, and cause distress among patients who rely on continuous treatment. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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