Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) strongly denied news reports regarding the recent increase in prices of medicines, expressing satisfaction over its supplies.
DRAP denies any recent increase in price of essential medicine, expresses satisfaction over supplies
ISLAMABAD, Mar 29 (APP): Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) strongly denied news reports regarding the recent increase in prices of medicines, expressing satisfaction over its supplies.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the authority formally clarifies that the prices of Essential Medicines, including insulin and other life-saving essential drugs, have not undergone any upward revision.
It is further noted that the price mentioned in recent news reports refer to the Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) already printed on medicine packs and certain insulin administering device manufactured in 2024 or 2025 and wrongly portrayed as recent price hike.
The authority reiterated that no new price increase has been approved for essential medicines in recent months and pharmaceutical manufacturers are strictly prohibited from implementing unilateral price hikes for any product listed on the National Essential Medicines List (NEML).
DRAP is also proactively monitoring the availability of drugs and has conducted a comprehensive review of supply chain of medicines and medical devices and found it satisfactory for coming months.
About 85% of medicines consumed in Pakistan are manufactured locally and unaffected by current geographical disputes including Middle Eastern airspace and sea route disruptions, it stated.
DRAP also issued 2 advisories to all manufacturers to have contingency planning, directing firms to adopt multiple sourcing strategies and geographically diverse channels to further strengthen supply chain resilience, ensuring that temporary cargo disruptions (if any) do not evolve into future shortages.
DRAP also focused on verified information before publication to avoid any unnecessary panic or anxiety among the general public regarding the availability and affordability of life-saving essential medicines.
DRAP remains steadfast in its regulatory oversight, ensuring that the people of Pakistan have uninterrupted access to safe, effective and quality-assured Therapeutic Goods, it emphasized.
