KARACHI: An unprecedented increase in the prices of medicines across Pakistan has sparked serious concerns, with patients and healthcare advocates warning of a growing public health crisis as essential drugs move beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.
According to details gathered from the market and medicine packaging, prices of a wide range of medicines have surged significantly within a short period. The situation has drawn strong criticism from the Pakistan Drug Lawyers Forum (PDLF), which termed the hike unjustified, inhumane and a direct threat to patients’ lives.
Talking to Health Matters, President PDLF Noor Muhammad Mahar stated that the Drug Pricing Policy 2018 and a notification issued on February 18, 2024 by the caretaker government had effectively de-controlled drug prices, giving pharmaceutical companies unchecked authority to fix rates. He added that the policy was later endorsed by the incumbent government, further strengthening the position of pharmaceutical companies.
He said the forum had challenged the decision in the Lahore High Court, arguing that it violated constitutional and human rights principles. He maintained that under the current mechanism, companies can increase prices by notifying the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), and if no response is issued within 30 days, the increase is automatically considered approved.
Mahar claimed that since the de-control policy, pharmaceutical companies and distributors have been increasing prices frequently, making essential medicines unaffordable for a large segment of the population. He warned that the rising costs were affecting patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension, cancer, asthma, heart and liver diseases, as well as children requiring nutritional supplements.
He cited an analytical report indicating that prices of more than 5,000 medicine brands had increased by 80 to 247 percent. Among the examples, Lomotil tablets rose from Rs1,100 to Rs2,000, Myrin-P Forte from Rs2,200 to Rs3,700, and insulin pens from Rs2,200 to Rs4,720, reflecting an increase of over 100 percent. Prices of several other commonly used medicines and supplements also recorded significant hikes.
Mahar rejected claims that global or regional factors were responsible for the increase, stating that pharmaceutical companies typically maintain several months of raw material stock and that the hikes appeared to be profit-driven.
He also alleged lack of transparency on the part of DRAP, claiming that price approvals were not being properly notified and that legally required publication of drug prices was not being ensured. He further raised concerns over an alleged nexus between pharmaceutical companies and certain medical practitioners, as well as the existence of fake medical associations facilitating profiteering.
The PDLF demanded immediate government intervention, including restoration of price controls, accountability of regulatory authorities, withdrawal of the de-control policy, and provision of free or subsidized medicines to low-income patients.
The forum has also announced a protest demonstration on April 5, 2026 at 4:00 PM outside the Lahore Press Club and Punjab Assembly, urging patients, healthcare professionals and civil society to participate.
Healthcare experts warn that without urgent corrective measures, the ongoing surge in medicine prices could further deepen the crisis and lead to serious consequences for public health across the country.
