As the situation escalates in the Middle East, social media platforms have been flooded with rumours about the shortage of medicines in Pakistan.
However, the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association has rejected claims of a medicine shortage in Pakistan, stating that supplies of both essential and non-essential drugs remain sufficient across the country.
Responding to unverified media reports, the association clarified that government-regulated medicine prices have remained unchanged in recent months despite rising fuel costs, freight charges, and increased import costs for raw materials due to the ongoing regional situation.
It further assured that key medicines, including insulin, antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs, antihypertensives, antidiabetic agents, and vaccines, are being provided without disruption.
The association also highlighted that around 90 per cent of medicines used in Pakistan are produced locally, enabling manufacturers to maintain steady supply chains.
Despite mounting cost pressures, pharmaceutical companies have continued to absorb the financial burden to ensure uninterrupted production and distribution, while also maintaining adequate stocks of raw materials and finished products to meet nationwide demand.
The PPMA urged media outlets to act responsibly and avoid spreading unverified information, warning that such reports can create unnecessary panic, mislead the public, and cause distress among patients who rely on continuous access to medication.
DRAP warns of possible medicine supply disruption
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) earlier issued a warning indicating that the ongoing tensions with Iran may disrupt the global medicine supply and impact its availability within the country.
DRAP has advised pharmaceutical companies to minimise dependence on a single supplier for the raw materials utilised in the production of medicines.
According to the advisory, companies are required to source raw materials and packaging from multiple suppliers.
They are also instructed to maintain sufficient buffer stocks of both raw materials and finished products.
DRAP advises pharmaceutical companies to assess supply risks
The regulator emphasised that additional medicine inventory should be preserved to address potential delays in shipping or other unexpected situations.
Pharmaceutical companies have been further advised to routinely evaluate possible supply risks, develop alternative strategies, monitor product distribution, and accurately project future demand.
DRAP has also mandated that companies prioritise medicine supply to government institutions.
The authority stated that effective monitoring will be implemented to prevent hoarding, black market activities, and artificial shortages.
Both federal and provincial governments have been instructed to ensure the complete execution of these directives.
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