DRAP Responds to Reports of Increase in Medicine Prices

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has rejected reports claiming an increase in prices of essential medicines, stating that no upward revision has taken place. The clarification follows recent claims by stakeholders that medicine prices have risen sharply since February 2024.

Pakistan Drug Lawyers Forum President Noor Muhammad Mehr said the price of the insulin delivery device HumaPen Ergo II had increased by 114 percent. The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA), however, maintained that prices of essential medicines have remained unchanged despite a more than 20 percent increase in fuel costs.

In its statement, DRAP said media reports about recent price hikes are factually incorrect. The authority said medicine supply in Pakistan remains unaffected by the Middle East conflict and related disruptions in sea routes, noting that around 85 percent of medicines are manufactured locally.

It said manufacturers have been directed to adopt contingency measures, including sourcing from multiple regions, to prevent any supply disruptions. DRAP said it has reviewed the supply chain of medicines and medical devices and found it stable for the coming months.

The authority clarified that prices cited in recent reports refer to maximum retail prices already printed on products manufactured in 2024 or 2025 and do not reflect any recent increase.

It reiterated that no new price hike for essential medicines has been approved and warned that manufacturers are not allowed to raise prices of products listed under the National Essential Medicines List (NEML). DRAP said it is monitoring availability of medicines and urged media outlets to verify information before publication to avoid public concern.