Prices of 146 life-saving drugs raised

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced an increase in the prices of 146 essential medicines, including those for combating cancer, vaccines, and antibiotics.

In accordance with a notification issued by the government, the prices of these vital medications have been hiked.

Health ministry officials said the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) had submitted a summary to the government proposing price hikes for 262 medicines. However, the government has chosen to raise prices for 146 life-saving drugs from the list.

They say that pharmaceutical companies will independently adjust prices for 116 items, while the government will retain control over the prices of 464 medicines listed in the National Essential Medicines List.

The government recently deregulated drug prices, permitting pharmaceutical companies to autonomously make price adjustments.