ISLAMABAD: In contrast to speculations regarding an exorbitant rise in the cost of medicines due to inflation, it is expected that prices of life-saving drugs will be increased by 7pc whereas other medicines prices may witnesses a hike of up to 10pc in light of the 2018 drug pricing policy.

As per the Drug Pricing Policy 2015, the prices of medicines were allowed to be increased in relation to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

But in 2018, changes were made to the drug pricing policy which said that though the hike will correspond with the CPI, in case of double-digit inflation, the increase will not be more than 7pc for lifesaving drugs and 10pc of the max retail price (MRP) for other medicines.

An official of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap), requesting anonymity, said after the announcement of the CPI at 12.65, the prices of lifesaving medicine can increase by 50pc of the CPI i.e. up to 7pc increase.

Official rejects rumours regarding 20pc hike in cost of medicines

Similarly, the prices of non-scheduled drugs can be increased by up to 70pc of the inflation rate whereas threshold drugs’ prices can witness a 100pc increase in sync with the CPI.

However, the 2018 drug pricing policy has bound pharmaceutical companies not to increase the prices of lifesaving and other drugs by more than 7 and 10pc of the retail price, respectively.

“In other words, lifesaving drugs having a retail price of Rs100 cannot be sold above Rs107 and non-scheduled drugs of Rs100 cannot be sold over Rs 110,” the official said, adding that the companies will have to inform Drap about the hike.

The official disclosed that prices of at least 10,000 medicines out of the total 70,000 registered medicines have been increased so far.

However, Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) spokesperson Sajid Shah ruled out even a 7pc increase, saying the government was encouraging competition among pharmaceutical companies which would hopefully keep prices in check.

“A number of companies have been selling medicines at 20pc to 30pc lower rates compared to maximum retail prices allowed to them. However, some of the companies which have a monopoly in the market, sell their products at a maximum price rate. Such products are called orphan drugs,” he added.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2022