A survey conducted by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan revealed that after the government removed official price controls on non essential medicines in 2024, the prices of 55 percent of medicines increased, 42 percent became cheaper, while the prices of only 2 percent medicines remained unchanged.
Out of 424 medicines, the prices of 31 medicines increased by more than 100 percent. Coldrex tablets used for cold, cough, and flu, which previously cost 27 rupees and 60 paisas for a pack of 100 tablets, are now being sold for 475 rupees. More than a 1600 percent increase in the price of this medicine has been recorded.
According to the briefing given by Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan Dr. Ubaidullah during today’s meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health, the survey reviewed 771 medicines and brands representing the top 500 non essential medicines sold in Pakistan. According to the survey, 424 medicines were being sold at higher prices while the prices of 329 medicines decreased.
Only 18 medicines showed no change in price. According to DRAP data, among the 424 medicines with increased prices, the prices of 31 medicines rose by more than 100 percent. Similarly, the prices of 62 medicines increased between 50 and 100 percent, while 331 medicines recorded up to a 50 percent increase in price.
According to DRAP, some medicines saw exceptionally high price increases. Coldrex tablets used for cold, cough, and flu, which previously cost 27 rupees and 60 paisas for a pack of 100 tablets, are now being sold for 475 rupees, recording an increase of more than 1600 percent. Similarly, the price of calcium and vitamin D tablets increased from 330 rupees to approximately 1327 rupees.
The price of the allergy medicine “Avil Injection” also increased from 432 rupees to 1500 rupees, while medicines such as Brufen cream, Librax, Polyfax eye ointment, Laxobron syrup, and Stemetil also recorded price increases ranging from 180 to 240 percent.
The CEO DRAP informed the committee that the survey was conducted to determine the actual market prices of medicines after the removal of price controls and whether the decision improved the availability of medicines. He stated that currently 659 pharmaceutical companies and 394 importers are operating in Pakistan, while the country’s annual medicine market has exceeded one trillion rupees.
The government deregulated the prices of non essential medicines in 2024. The government’s position was that due to strict official controls, many medicines were disappearing from the market and their production had become unprofitable for companies. DRAP officials stated that all 771 medicines were available in the market at the time of the survey, indicating that the availability of medicines improved after deregulation, however the increase in prices has also created new difficulties for patients.
Addressing the committee meeting, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said that medicine prices were deregulated during the caretaker government. According to the law, DRAP can regulate prices only of essential life saving medicines. He added that the Ministry of Health has no role in the increase or decrease of medicine prices and said that he has never even had a cup of tea from any pharmaceutical company.
