(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(By Muhammad Mansoor Mumtaz)
Rising Medicine Prices in Pakistan Hit Patients as Experts Call for Generics and Stronger Pharmacist Role
Lahore: The issue of Rising Medicine Prices in Pakistan has become a serious concern, as inflation, global tensions, and supply chain disruptions continue to drive costs upward, severely affecting middle- and low-income groups. These concerns were highlighted by Dr. Shabbir Ahmed (R.Ph), former Press Secretary of the Pakistan Pharmacists Association, during an exclusive interview.
Discussing the Rising Medicine Prices in Pakistan, Dr. Shabbir Ahmed explained that escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States have disrupted supply chains, increased freight costs, and created currency instability. These factors have significantly raised the cost of importing raw materials used in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The Rising Medicine Prices in Pakistan further intensified after the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan deregulated prices of certain non-essential medicines in 2024.
According to Dr. Ahmed, prices of commonly used medicines have surged by 30 to 100 percent, placing an immense financial burden on patients. He noted that nearly 60 to 70 percent of healthcare expenses in Pakistan are paid out-of-pocket, making patients suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure, and heart diseases particularly vulnerable. Addressing the Rising Medicine Prices in Pakistan, Dr. Ahmed emphasized that prescribing generic medicines can provide immediate relief.
He stated that generic medicines offer the same quality and therapeutic effectiveness as branded drugs but can cost 70 to 80 percent less, making treatment more accessible for the general public. The Rising Medicine Prices in Pakistan also highlight the need to strengthen the role of pharmacists in the healthcare system.
Dr. Ahmed stressed that pharmacists can:
- Recommend affordable alternatives
- Guide proper medicine usage
- Improve patient compliance
He added that effective counseling by pharmacists can reduce patient expenses by 20 to 40 percent, provided they are given proper authority and recognition. Due to Rising Medicine Prices in Pakistan, many patients are forced to skip doses, delay treatments, or rely on substandard medicines.
Dr. Ahmed warned that such practices could lead to serious health complications in the future, further burdening the healthcare system. Highlighting solutions to the Rising Medicine Prices in Pakistan, Dr. Ahmed urged the government to:
- Make generic prescriptions mandatory
- Empower pharmacists with practical authority
- Implement strict monitoring of medicine prices
He cautioned that without urgent reforms, Pakistan could face a situation where treatment is available but unaffordable for the majority of citizens. The issue of Rising Medicine Prices in Pakistan demands immediate attention from policymakers and healthcare stakeholders. Ensuring affordability, transparency, and accessibility in the pharmaceutical sector is essential to protect public health and prevent a deeper healthcare crisis.
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