Approval Granted for an Increase in prices for 146 drugs
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Caretaker Cabinet Greenlights Price Hike for 146 Lifesaving Drugs and Inks MoU with China
Islamabad, Thursday: The caretaker federal cabinet, led by Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, has approved an increase in the prices of 146 critical lifesaving medicines. This decision comes in response to the rising costs of raw materials for medications in the international market, as reported by the Ministry of National Health during the cabinet meeting.
Additionally, the cabinet endorsed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) and the State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) China. The MoU aims to facilitate the exchange of information and technical capacity between the two countries.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Kakar emphasized the government's commitment to providing affordable medicines to the public and encouraged suggestions for enhancing the performance of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). He directed the formulation of recommendations for necessary legislation related to drug price deregulation, to be presented to the upcoming elected government in Parliament.
Citizens facing issues with the availability of medicines were informed that complaints can be filed through DRAP's online portal, according to statements by the Ministry of National Health and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
In other approvals, the federal cabinet greenlit Pakistani psychologist Muhammad Saleem Khan Tareen to receive the Member of the British Empire award from the King of Britain in recognition of his contributions to the field of psychology. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar was also allowed to receive the Gold Medal for Aeronautical Merit from Italy, acknowledging his efforts in enhancing cooperation between the Italian and Pakistani Air Forces.
The cabinet concluded by approving decisions made by the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCOE) on January 26, 2024, and the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases on January 26 and 31, 2024.
