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The ongoing war in the Middle East has disrupted the import of raw materials for medicines, leading to a sharp rise in prices of essential drugs across Pakistan.
Diabetes patients and others dependent on life-saving medications are feeling the impact firsthand.
Insulin, critical for diabetes treatment, has seen its price more than double in recent weeks. The cost of insulin injection devices has jumped from Rs 2,200 to Rs 4,720, placing additional burdens on patients requiring regular treatment.
Other medicines also affected
The price increases are not limited to insulin. Some examples include:
- Indigestion and acidity medicines: from Rs 530 to Rs 620 per pack
- Vitamins and nutritional supplements: from Rs 480 to Rs 510 per pack
- Vitamin B deficiency medicine: from Rs 500 to Rs 600
- Thyroid treatment medicines: from Rs 85 to Rs 290
- Typhoid treatment medicines: from Rs 805 to Rs 930
Pharmaceutical companies warn that several other life-saving medicines have also been affected.
Reasons behind surge
Experts attribute the price hikes to difficulties in importing raw materials due to the Middle East conflict. Rising costs of auxiliary ingredients and packaging materials have compounded the issue. Pharmaceutical companies are exploring various solutions to stabilize supply and manage costs, but challenges persist.
Patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and thyroid disorders, face growing financial pressure. Health professionals are urging authorities to monitor prices and ensure availability of essential medicines to protect public health.
