Pharma firms warned over possible disruption in medicine supplies

Owing to the global tension situation, concerns have arisen over the supply of medicines in Pakistan, prompting the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to issue an advisory in view of potential interruptions in the international supply of medicines.

According to details, pharmaceutical companies have been instructed to reduce dependence on a single supplier for raw materials. DRAP stated that multiple sources for both raw materials and packaging materials should be employed.

The advisory instructed pharmaceutical companies to maintain adequate stocks of raw materials and finished medicines, and to keep additional reserves to address shipping delays or other unforeseen circumstances.

Companies were also directed to regularly assess potential supply risks and to implement contingency planning.

Moreover, the DRAP has advised that the movement of products should be monitored and future demand accurately forecasted, with effective supervision to prevent hoarding, black marketing, and artificial shortages.

The advisory recommended that government institutions continue supplying medicines on a priority basis and ensure full compliance with the directives of the federal and provincial governments.