Medicines prices increased for the second time in a month

The Government of Pakistan has approved the second hike in the prices of medicines in a month, by up to 22 to 35 percent.

According to the details, The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) increased the prices of 253 medicines by up to 22 to 35 percent.

In this regard, a notification has also been issued by the regulatory body. This is the second increase in the prices of medicines in a month.

As per the DRAP notification, an increase in the rates of 235 drugs ranging between 22% and 35% has been approved.

It should be noted here that the earlier notification by DRAP, to grant approval of an increase in prices of 94 drugs was released two weeks later on September 29, while the second notification, dated October 5, 2020, granting approval of an increase in prices of 235 medicines was released again two weeks later on October 19.

On the other hand, while commenting on the hike in medicine prices,  Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan said “It is important to ensure that the prices of medicines be affordable to everyone,”

He added that the drugs available at higher prices earlier will now be readily available instead.

In addition to this, he said that the job of the government and DRAP, he explained, is to ensure the availability of medicines to everyone in the country.