Introduction
Over the past few months, Pakistan has been facing a significant rise in medicine prices. According to recent reports, the cost of essential medicines and diagnostic tests has increased by 14.15%, placing an additional burden on citizens already struggling with inflation, low wages, and economic instability. For many families, buying life-saving drugs for diabetes, heart disease, infections, or chronic conditions has become a daily challenge.Daily Life Faizan
But what exactly is driving this surge in prices? Why are patients and their families suffering so much? And most importantly, what can be done to protect healthcare access in Pakistan? This article takes a deep dive into the current medicine price crisis, explaining its causes, impact, and possible solutions.
Why Medicine Prices Are Rising in Pakistan
The price hike in medicines is not random; it is the result of several economic and structural factors. Let’s explore the major causes:
1. Increased Sales Tax and GST on Medicines
In July 2025, the government revised the tax policy on medicines and diagnostic products. This added additional sales tax and GST on many pharmaceutical items. While the government aimed to increase revenue, the outcome directly hit patients because pharmaceutical companies passed these costs down to consumers.
2. Import Costs and Dollar Rate Impact
Pakistan imports a large portion of its raw materials for medicine production. With the rupee weakening against the US dollar, import bills skyrocketed. Pharmaceutical companies had no choice but to raise medicine prices to cover the increased cost of imported ingredients, machinery, and packaging.
3. Supply Chain Disruptions
Global inflation, rising transportation costs, and delays at ports also contributed to price increases. Medicine is a sensitive commodity — even minor disruptions lead to shortages, which push prices higher.
4. Weak Regulatory Framework
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has been criticized for its limited control over pricing. Many pharmaceutical companies exploit loopholes and increase rates beyond the approved limits, making medicines unaffordable for ordinary citizens.
Which Medicines Are Most Affected?
The price increase is not limited to rare or imported drugs; even basic medicines have become more expensive.
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Diabetes Medicines – Insulin injections and oral tablets, essential for millions of Pakistanis, have seen sharp increases.
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Heart Disease Drugs – Medicines like blood thinners, beta-blockers, and cholesterol-control pills now cost significantly more.
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Antibiotics – Common antibiotics used for infections, especially in children, have also become more expensive.
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Painkillers and Fever Medicines – Paracetamol and ibuprofen, used daily by households, are no longer “cheap basics.”
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Diagnostic Tests – Along with medicines, lab tests like blood sugar, liver function, and cholesterol checks have also gone up.
For a country where 70% of healthcare expenses are paid out-of-pocket, this sudden surge creates an impossible situation for families living on limited incomes.
The Impact on Patients and Families
1. Chronic Patients Under Threat
Patients with lifelong conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease are suffering the most. These individuals need regular medication and cannot skip doses. The increased costs mean some patients reduce their doses or stop treatment altogether — which can lead to life-threatening complications.
2. Poor Households Hit the Hardest
Pakistan’s poverty rate is already high. Many families live on less than $3 per day. For them, buying medicines after the price hike means sacrificing food, education, or other essentials. Healthcare is no longer affordable, turning curable diseases into fatal conditions.
3. Widening Rural-Urban Gap
Urban areas still have pharmacies with multiple options. In rural regions, medicines are scarce, and when available, they are sold at much higher rates. This makes access to treatment even harder for villagers and small-town residents.
4. Mental Stress and Financial Burden
When families cannot afford medicine, the stress is not only physical but also mental. The anxiety of not being able to save loved ones from preventable conditions adds another layer of suffering.
Government Response and Public Reactions
The government has taken mixed steps in response to the crisis. While it acknowledges the rising costs, real relief for patients has been limited.
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Health Cards / Sehat Sahulat Program – The government expanded this insurance scheme, but it mainly covers hospitalizations and not regular medicines.
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Drug Regulatory Authority Measures – DRAP announced stricter monitoring of price controls, but enforcement remains weak.
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NGOs and Charity Clinics – Organizations like Indus Hospital and Edhi Foundation are stepping in, offering free medicines and treatments to needy patients.
Public response has been strong, with social media campaigns and protests demanding immediate action. Citizens argue that healthcare is a fundamental right, and the state must step in to control prices.
What Patients Can Do in This Crisis
Although the situation is tough, patients can take some practical steps to reduce the impact:
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Switch to Generic Medicines
Generic versions of drugs are cheaper and often equally effective. Patients should consult their doctors and request generic alternatives. -
Compare Prices Across Pharmacies
Prices often vary between pharmacies. Patients should check multiple outlets before buying medicines. -
Use Government and Charity Programs
Many hospitals and welfare organizations provide free or subsidized medicines. Patients should actively seek out such support. -
Buy Medicines in Bulk
Purchasing medicines for a month or more at once can sometimes save costs, especially before another price hike. -
Stay Informed and Advocate
Patients and families should raise awareness, join campaigns, and pressure policymakers for reforms.
Global Comparisons: How Other Countries Handle Price Hikes
Countries worldwide have faced similar crises, but some have implemented strong systems to protect citizens:
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India – Has a price control system where essential drugs are capped at government-fixed prices.
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UK – The NHS provides free or highly subsidized medicines.
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Bangladesh – Local production of generic medicines keeps prices lower.
Pakistan can learn from these models and implement stronger regulatory and subsidy systems to protect its citizens.
The Bigger Picture: Healthcare Access in Pakistan
The medicine price crisis is not just about affordability — it highlights Pakistan’s larger healthcare challenges:
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Underfunded public hospitals
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Lack of universal health coverage
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Weak regulation of private healthcare providers
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Limited local pharmaceutical production
Unless long-term reforms are introduced, such price hikes will keep recurring and further limit healthcare access for millions of citizens.
FAQs
1. Why are medicine prices rising in Pakistan?
Because of sales tax increases, currency devaluation, higher import costs, and weak regulation.
2. Which medicines are most affected?
Diabetes, heart, antibiotics, painkillers, and basic household medicines.
3. Will medicine prices come down soon?
Unless the government intervenes with subsidies or tax relief, a significant drop is unlikely in the near future.
4. Can generic medicines be trusted?
Yes. Generic medicines are approved for quality and can be as effective as branded versions.
5. What can patients do to cope?
Switch to generics, use welfare programs, compare prices, and buy in bulk when possible.
Conclusion
The 14% surge in medicine prices in Pakistan is more than just an economic story; it is a human crisis. For millions of people, especially those with chronic diseases, this hike means choosing between survival and basic needs. The government, pharmaceutical industry, and civil society must work together to ensure healthcare remains a right, not a privilege.
If Pakistan is to move forward as a healthier nation, medicine affordability and access must be treated as top priorities. Until then, patients and families must remain vigilant, informed, and united in demanding change.
Keywords
Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP)
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Generic medicines in Pakistan
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Healthcare reforms in Pakistan
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Diabetes and heart medicines cost
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Pharmaceutical industry Pakistan