DRAP rejects reports of hike in drug prices

ISLAMABAD: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan has firmly rejected recent reports claiming an increase in medicines’ prices, assuring the public that supplies across the country remain stable and satisfactory. According to Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), the Authority formally clarified that the prices of essential medicines, including insulin and other life-saving drugs, have not been increased or revised. It is further clarified that the price mentioned in recent news reports refer to the Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) already printed on medicine packs and insulin administering device manufactured in 2024 or 2025 and wrongly portrayed as recent price hike. The Authority confirms that no new price increase has been approved for essential medicines in recent months and pharmaceutical manufacturers are strictly prohibited from implementing unilateral price hikes for any product listed on the National Essential Medicines List (NEML). The DRAP is also proactively monitoring the availability of drugs and has conducted a comprehensive review of supply chain of medicines and medical devices and found it satisfactory for coming months. About 85% of medicines consumed in Pakistan are manufactured locally and unaffected by current geographical disputes including Middle Eastern airspace and sea route disruptions. The DRAP (As a National Regulator for Therapeutic Goods) has also issued 2 advisories to all manufacturers to have contingency planning and directed firms to adopt “multiple sourcing strategies” and “geographically diverse channels” to further strengthen supply chain resilience, ensuring that temporary cargo disruptions (if any) do not evolve into future shortages. The DRAP advises all news channels and media houses to verify information with the Authority before publication as it is imperative to provide authentic and fact-based news to avoid creating unnecessary panic or anxiety among the general public regarding the availability and affordability of life-saving essential medicines. The Authority remains steadfast in its regulatory oversight, ensuring that the people of Pakistan have uninterrupted access to safe, effective, and quality-assured Therapeutic Goods. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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