Severe Shortage of Essential Medicines in Pakistan; PMA Warns of Price Hike and Health System Collapse

*Islamabad (Qudrat News)* — The **Pakistan Medical Association (PMA)** has issued a grave warning to the government over an **acute shortage of essential medicines** across the country and a **sharp, continuous increase in drug prices**, calling it a potential public health catastrophe.

In a strongly worded statement, the **PMA Secretary General** expressed deep frustration over the government’s inaction, saying:

> “It is deeply regrettable that the government appears indifferent to the health and well-being of its citizens. We are witnessing a humanitarian crisis where people are forced to pay entirely out of pocket for medical care. For poor families, the soaring cost of medicines has made essential treatment virtually impossible to afford.”

The PMA highlighted that despite submitting a detailed list of **over 80 essential and life-saving medicines** unavailable in the market to the **Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP)** on **August 30, 2025**, the regulator failed to respond or take corrective action — a lapse the association says is worsening patient suffering.

The missing drugs include treatments for:

* **Diabetes** (e.g., insulin injections)
* **Cardiovascular diseases**
* **Cancer therapies**
* **Psychiatric and neurological disorders**
* **Anesthesia and surgical procedures**

The PMA outlined several key concerns:

* **Rising burden on the poor:** Continuous price hikes by pharmaceutical companies have made healthcare unaffordable for millions.
* **Government inaction:** Failure to implement effective regulatory mechanisms has led to unchecked pricing and medicine shortages.
* **Reduced access to treatment:** High costs and non-availability of drugs are delaying treatment, particularly for patients with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

The association called on the federal government to take **immediate and decisive action**, emphasizing two urgent priorities:

1. **Strict price control** on all essential and life-saving medicines to ensure affordability for every citizen.
2. **Swift resolution of the current shortage** through efficient supply and distribution measures to prevent a nationwide health disaster.

The PMA stressed that **the nation’s health cannot be compromised** and urged authorities to treat this crisis with utmost seriousness and urgency.