Sir: The news of 600 percent increase in drug prices is very disturbing. The secretary general of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PMA) is defending the increase by saying they are short of funds for a further development of the industry. If that is the case, then how do the pharmaceutical companies give fabulous and luxurious foreign holiday trips to influential doctors and government officials for promotion of their products? Is this not a bribe in disguise? Drug quality assurance is also the duty of the PMA. Hundreds of people have died in Pakistan due to substandard drug manufacturing. What action has the PMA taken to forestall such a situation in future? Why is there a lack of funds when some pharmaceutical companies are involved in smuggling banned drugs like ephedrine and making billions? A case to this effect is under hearing in the Supreme Court. The secretary general of the association should have had some system under him to keep an eye on pharmaceutical companies that indulge in such activities, which give a bad name to the Pakistani pharmaceutical industry. MAJ (RETD) ANWAR ALAM Cardiff, UK