Pakistan Medicine Prices Surge 55% Following Deregulation of Non-Essential Drugs

Pakistan has witnessed a significant increase in medicine prices following a policy shift that deregulated non-essential drugs, allowing pharmaceutical companies to set their own rates. A recent survey by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan reveals that overall medicine costs have risen sharply over the past two years, with a 55 percent price increase observed after the removal of government controls. This initiative, introduced by the caretaker government to boost market efficiency and competition, has sparked concerns regarding healthcare affordability and patient access. The survey, which analyzed over 700 medicines from 500 brands across 192 pharmacies in major cities like Karachi and Lahore, found mixed trends: while 55 percent of medicines saw price hikes, 42 percent experienced reductions, and 2.27 percent remained unchanged. Essential life-saving drugs remain under strict price regulation tied to inflation. The findings will be reviewed by the Prime Minister and the federal cabinet, who will decide whether to maintain, adjust, or reverse the current deregulation framework based on its impact on public health and market stability.