KARACHI: Medicine prices in Pakistan are expected to increase further after the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) allowed pharmaceutical companies to set the prices of 50 percent of medicines. DRAP CEO Dr. Ubaid Ullah confirmed that the authority to regulate half of all drug prices now rests with the companies themselves.
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The move has raised serious concerns as the cost of medicines for critical ailments—including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and mental health conditions—is already high, leaving many patients financially strained. Experts warn that allowing companies to control prices could make essential treatments even less affordable for the public.
DRAP officials also highlighted that doctors unnecessarily prescribe about 70 percent of medicines, costing patients roughly Rs 50 billion in extra expenses. Reports indicate a nexus between pharmaceutical firms and some doctors, with companies sponsoring trips abroad to encourage prescriptions of expensive branded medicines.
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To address the issue, analysts suggest mandating doctors to prescribe medicines by their generic names rather than brand names. This would enable patients to purchase the most affordable versions and reduce the financial burden on vulnerable populations.