ISLAMABAD, Jul 24 (APP):Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb here on Friday stressed that drug pricing decisions should be transparent, evidence-based and made through a consultative process, emphasizing the need to balance affordable access to essential medicines with the sustainability of pharmaceutical supplies. Chairing the 8th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Drug Pricing, the finance minister said all pricing decisions should be guided by the broader …
Aurangzeb calls for transparent, evidence-based drug pricing in public interest
ISLAMABAD, Jul 24 (APP):Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb here on Friday stressed that drug pricing decisions should be transparent, evidence-based and made through a consultative process, emphasizing the need to balance affordable access to essential medicines with the sustainability of pharmaceutical supplies.
Chairing the 8th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Drug Pricing, the finance minister said all pricing decisions should be guided by the broader public interest while ensuring that patients continued to have access to life-saving medicines at affordable prices.
The committee reviewed recommendations submitted by the Drug Pricing Committee and the Policy Board of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), including proposals on new drug price fixation, hardship applications, pricing matters and the availability of essential medicines. Members were also briefed on progress made since the previous meeting.
Aurangzeb also underscored the importance of effective public engagement to clearly explain the rationale behind decisions related to critical medicines, aiming to enhance transparency and public confidence in the pricing mechanism.
the meeting was attended by Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Mustafa Kamal; Federal Minister for Defence Production, Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, senior officials from the National Health Services Ministry, DRAP, and representatives of the Commerce and Finance Divisions.
