Pakistan’s caretaker government is on the brink of deregulating drug prices, a decision that has stirred a whirlwind of apprehension among experts and rights groups.
In a move poised to reshape the pharmaceutical landscape, Pakistan’s caretaker government is on the brink of deregulating drug prices, a decision that has stirred a whirlwind of apprehension among experts and rights groups.
The imminent shift, anticipated to unleash a wave of price hikes for thousands of medications not listed in the ‘National Essential Medicines List’ (NEML), has ignited vigorous debate over its potential repercussions.
An official from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHS,R&C) disclosed that the long-awaited notification regarding drug-price deregulation is slated for release next week. This move follows a contentious policy decision greenlit by the caretaker federal cabinet earlier this month, drawing sharp criticism for its perceived recklessness.
Critics lambasted the caretaker government’s decision as “irrational,” citing concerns over the accessibility and affordability of healthcare.
Ayaz Kiani, a prominent pharmacist and rights activist, condemned the move, cautioning that deregulating medicine prices could precipitate an “inflationary storm” across Pakistan. Kiani, involved in formulating the country’s National Medicine Policy, warned of a resurgence in over-prescription fueled by a symbiotic relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare providers.
Drawing parallels to a similar policy enacted in 1993, Kiani underscored the detrimental fallout of previous deregulation efforts, which exacerbated medicine prices and exacerbated financial burdens for the populace. He underscored the windfall reaped by local pharmaceutical manufacturers at the expense of ordinary citizens, stressing the urgent need for regulatory oversight.
Contrary voices, however, lauded the impending deregulation as a necessary step to bolster medication availability. Dr. Faisal Sultan, former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, contended that deregulation aligns with global standards, fostering a conducive environment for pharmaceutical innovation and production. He emphasized that many vital medications languish in scarcity due to prohibitive production costs and regulatory constraints.
In a joint statement, the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) and Pharma Bureau hailed the move as a pivotal milestone toward a vibrant, export-oriented pharmaceutical sector. They emphasized that deregulation, mirroring WHO guidelines, would alleviate patient suffering and spur the production of quality medications at competitive prices.
The announcement resonated with optimism, particularly among multinational pharmaceutical companies, which lauded the government’s embrace of international best practices. Notably, the decision exempts 464 medications listed in the NEML from price deregulation, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguard essential drugs.
Nevertheless, apprehension lingers over the potential fallout of this seismic policy shift. As stakeholders brace for an era of heightened market dynamics, the debate surrounding medication accessibility and affordability in Pakistan rages on. With the specter of soaring drug prices looming large, the nation stands at a crossroads, navigating the delicate balance between economic pragmatism and public health imperatives.