In recent times, Karachi, Pakistan, has been dealing with a severe shortage of essential medicines, intensifying the crisis around life-saving drugs, vaccines, and medications crucial for managing conditions like diabetes and epilepsy. This scarcity has sparked significant concerns among patients and citizens, aggravated by the surge in prices for life-saving drugs on the black market.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) launched a crackdown last month against the artificial shortage of essential medicines. However, despite their efforts, the unlawful sale of vital medications persisted, prompting further action from health authorities.
To address the crisis, health authorities have implemented various measures, including the registration process for new life-saving drugs. Concurrently, efforts are underway to expedite the implementation of a comprehensive plan aimed at restocking pharmacies with essential medicines. Notably, an alternative drug with a rare formula has also been registered as part of these ongoing initiatives.
Under the guidance of interim Health Minister Nadeem Jan, authorities have initiated a crackdown on medicine profiteering. Operation details from Lahore revealed substantial measures taken against those selling medicines above approved prices. The crackdown exposed the illicit sale of Heparin injections, tuberculosis medications, epilepsy drugs, cancer treatments, and various life-saving drugs at prices well above the officially sanctioned rates.
A spokesperson highlighted specific instances of profiteering, citing examples such as Tegeral, an epilepsy medicine, being sold for Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 1300 to 1400 instead of the approved PKR 260 per box. Additionally, Heparin injections, initially priced at PKR 975, were illegally sold at PKR 1500 to 3000, and Rivotril, authorized at PKR 267 per box, was retailed at PKR 700 to PKR 800. Further discrepancies included Rivotril 2mg being sold for PKR 800 to PKR 1000 instead of the mandated PKR 400, Zenax 0.5mg at PKR 1400 instead of PKR 278, and Zenax 1mg priced at PKR 4000, significantly higher than the sanctioned PKR 502. Shockingly, the Ultrawest box, with an approved price of PKR 3418, was being sold at an exorbitant PKR 6,500.
Expressing deep concern, the health minister emphasized that the DRAP task force would take decisive action against individuals engaged in profiteering. "The task force of DRAP will take full action against the profiteers," he asserted.
As Karachi grapples with this life-saving drugs crisis, the DRAP's crackdown aims to curb the illegal sale of essential medicines, ensuring access for patients and preventing further exploitation in the black market. The battle against profiteering is crucial for restoring stability to Karachi's healthcare system.
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