Government Maintains Drug Deregulation Policy Amid Price Concerns

The government has decided to maintain its policy of deregulating the prices of non-essential medicines, despite ongoing concerns about rising costs for consumers. Officials believe that the current system has helped ensure a steady supply of medicines and has reduced the frequency of shortages in the market.

The decision comes after a recent review conducted by the federal health ministry and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan. The review examined medicine prices and supply at the retail level. Based on its findings, authorities have chosen to keep the deregulation policy, which was first introduced in late 2023, in place for non-essential medicines. Essential and life-saving drugs, however, will continue to be regulated by the government.

Patients have reported feeling the impact of repeated price increases. Irfan Nasir, who relies on blood pressure medication, described how his monthly expenses for the anti-hypertensive drug Telmis-artan have been steadily rising. "Almost every third or fourth week, when I go to purchase my medicine, I have to pay a higher price than before due to repeated increases," he said.

Officials and industry sources stated that the primary reason for continuing the deregulation policy is the improved availability of medicines in the market. They noted that previous shortages have largely been resolved since the policy was implemented. The authorities remain convinced that the current approach is effective in maintaining supply, despite the financial strain on some patients.

The government has reiterated that while non-essential medicines will remain deregulated, it will continue to monitor the situation and regulate the prices of essential and life-saving drugs to protect public health.