PR No. 62 Islamabad: 11 January, 2019

Spokesperson of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has clarified that maximum retail price (MRP) of various medicines has been increased up to 9 % and 15 %. The current increase in MRP of prices is due to 30% decrease in value of Pak Rupee against US dollar last year. Resultantly the prices of raw materials and cost prices of materials used in packaging of medicines also increased. Similarly, due to rise in prices of utility bills such as electricity and gas, the manufacturing cost per unit has also increased. Moreover, increase in additional duties, interest rates and salaries of the employees was observed. Most of the pharmaceutical raw materials are imported from China. The Chinese industry has been closed due to environmental reasons and this has also become a reason in doubling the prices of raw materials. This affected the availability of medicines and vaccines in the country. Most common reason observed for this unavailability was found to be that pharmaceutical companies had informed that it is not commercially viable for them to manufacture such medicine. Therefore, multinational companies are retreating and investment opportunities are also being affected. However, DRAP ensured availability of life saving medicine on priority. Due to the above mentioned reasons, pharmaceutical industry was demanding increase in the prices of medicine since long keeping in view the increase in US dollar value. However, DRAP tried to maintain status quo as increase in the prices of medicines was resisted. But keeping in view the unavailability of medicine in market and reasons that were beyond control of either the regulator or manufacturer such as increase in US Dollar, and increased prices of raw materials, DRAP recommended nominal increase in MRP. It is pertinent to mention here that, national pharma fulfills 90 percent of medicine need of the country. Thus, recommendations were necessary to save the industry. DRAP, after consultation with all stakeholders, recommended 9% and 15% increase in MRPs of medicines. It shall be noted that DRAP is continuously ensuring availability of quality, safe and effective medicine in the country.

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