LAHORE: A team comprising the officials of the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC), the Drugs Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) and a private medicine company on Friday briefed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on the high prices of Covid drug Actemra vials and its sale in the black market.

The NAB was told that in mid 2020, the price of an Actemra vial (400mg) was fixed at Rs50,000 by the government, but its shortage was reported at different places, causing an increase in its price in black market to the tune of Rs500,000 per vial.

The NAB, quoting the visiting delegation, said that due to the non-availability of raw material, it would not be possible for the vial producing company -- Roche -- to continue the supplies earlier than December this year.

On the other hand, the Drap officials said the provincial government was to give a go ahead to two alternative medicines for the Covid patients’ treatment.

The NAB Lahore directed the visiting officials to make arrangements for smooth import and supply of Actemra vials from Switzerland on a fast track.

It also asked them to take steps to counter the misinformation being spread at different forums regarding Actemra vials’ shortage and to publish guidelines for the public on the Drap website in this regard.

The NAB said for it the issues pertaining to public interests had always been a priority, while in the past a renowned private laboratory had offered 50 per cent concessions for the Covid tests for senior citizens because of the bureau’s efforts.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2021