Essential medicines, including insulin and other life-saving drugs, remain widely available across Pakistan, with no increase in their prices despite a sharp rise in fuel costs, industry representatives said on Saturday.
The reassurance comes after reports suggested possible shortages and price hikes in the pharmaceutical sector. However, the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) said prices of essential medicines, which are regulated by the government, have stayed unchanged in recent months.
No shortage reported across country
According to the association, there is no shortage of medicines, with both essential and non-essential drugs available in sufficient quantities. Supplies of key treatments such as insulin, antibiotics, cardiovascular medicines, anti-hypertensives, anti-diabetics and vaccines continue without disruption.
Industry officials said manufacturers have managed to absorb rising costs linked to fuel, freight and the import of raw materials, rather than passing the burden on to patients.
They added that nearly 90 percent of medicines used in Pakistan are produced locally, helping maintain stable supply despite economic pressure. Adequate stocks of both raw materials and finished products are currently available to meet demand nationwide.
Concerns over delayed approvals
While the overall supply remains stable, the industry highlighted challenges related to certain advanced treatments. Officials said some life-saving therapies, including modern cancer drugs, vaccines and immunoglobulins, are not widely available due to delays in government price notifications.
Although prices for these medicines have already been approved by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, formal notifications are still pending, which has slowed their entry into the market.
Industry representatives said timely approvals could improve access and reduce pressure on patients already dealing with rising treatment costs.
Call for responsible reporting
The PPMA also urged media outlets to avoid sharing unverified information, warning that such reports can create unnecessary panic among patients and give a misleading picture of medicine availability.
Despite ongoing economic and logistical challenges, the pharmaceutical sector said it remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines and supporting the country’s healthcare system.
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