In the coming weeks, Pakistanis will face increased costs for over half of the country’s medicines, including critical life-saving drugs, as the government implements its annual price adjustment under the Drug Pricing Policy. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has begun processing applications from pharmaceutical companies seeking price increases, driven by an inflation rate of 4.49% as reported by the Statistics Division.

DRAP CEO Obaidullah explained that the price hike, expected to average around 3.14% (up to 70% of the inflation rate), will affect a broad range of controlled medicines, including those essential for life-threatening conditions. “This adjustment is modest and strictly tied to inflation data from the Bureau of Statistics,” Obaidullah stated, emphasizing the regulated nature of the process to balance industry sustainability with patient affordability.

To address exceptional cases, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established a special inter-ministerial committee, led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal. The committee is tasked with reviewing “hardship cases” where pharmaceutical companies may seek larger price adjustments. Kamal noted that the committee will deliver its recommendations to the prime minister within two weeks, with final decisions resting with Sharif.

The price adjustments are slated to take effect in August or September, following DRAP’s review and government approval. Authorities stress that the process aims to ensure the pharmaceutical industry’s viability while minimizing the financial strain on patients. As Pakistan navigates this delicate balance, the impending price hike underscores the challenges of maintaining access to affordable healthcare amid rising economic pressures.