A sharp and unprecedented increase in medicine prices across Pakistan has been revealed, according to a briefing by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), 24NewsHD TV reported on Thursday.
The DRAP CEO disclosed that several commonly used medicines have seen price hikes ranging from over 180% to more than 1600%, raising serious concerns about affordability for patients.
Among the most significant increases, the price of Coldrex, a widely used flu and cold medicine, has surged by 1621%, jumping from Rs27 to Rs475 per packet.
The bone health medicine Kalv has become 302% more expensive, while the commonly used painkiller Ibuprofen has increased by more than 244%.
The eye medication Polyflex has risen from Rs34 to Rs113. Meanwhile, Librex, used for stomach and intestinal disorders, has seen a 241% price hike.
Other notable increases include the allergy injection Avil, which rose from Rs432 to Rs1,500, and Laxoberon, a constipation treatment syrup and drops, which has become 200% more expensive. The nausea and dizziness medicine Stimital has also increased by 188%.
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal responded to concerns over pricing, stating that the government has never had any financial dealings or “a cup of tea” with pharmaceutical companies, emphasizing regulatory independence.
The sudden surge in prices has sparked public concern over access to essential medicines amid rising inflation in the country.
