52 Essential Medicine Prices Await Cabinet Approval in Pakistan
The prices of 52 essential and life-saving medicines in Pakistan remain stuck at the federal approval stage despite being cleared earlier by the Cabinet Drug Pricing Committee, creating fresh concern over the availability of critical drugs for patients across the country.
According to sources cited in the report, the Ministry of Health is now seeking a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif so the matter can be placed before the federal cabinet. Without cabinet approval, the pricing decision cannot move to the notification stage, delaying formal action by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan.
The Cabinet Drug Pricing Committee had approved the proposed prices on July 24 after recommendations from DRAP’s Drug Pricing Committee and Policy Board. However, officials said the process remains incomplete because the cabinet’s endorsement is required before maximum retail prices can be finalised.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb are expected to take part in the proposed meeting with the prime minister. The federal health secretary and DRAP’s chief executive officer are also expected to be involved as the government reviews both pricing and supply concerns.
The Ministry of Health is expected to seek approval not only for the 52 medicines but also for hardship cases involving essential drugs. Once the cabinet gives its consent, DRAP will be able to determine and notify the maximum retail prices, allowing manufacturers and suppliers to operate under an updated regulatory framework.
The delay has raised concerns inside the pharmaceutical supply chain. Sources said some companies are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain steady supplies at current prices, while dozens of registered medicines are already unavailable in the market despite earlier pricing decisions.
The medicines under consideration are not limited to routine treatment. The list reportedly includes drugs used for cancer, diabetes, haemophilia, Parkinson’s disease, autoimmune disorders and blood clot prevention, along with medicines needed in serious infections, intensive care and emergency treatment.
Two particularly sensitive items mentioned among the hardship cases are an influenza vaccine and morphine used for cancer patients. Any shortage or pricing deadlock in such categories can directly affect hospitals, pharmacies and families already struggling with high treatment costs.
For Pakistan’s healthcare system, the issue highlights the difficult balance between medicine affordability and uninterrupted availability. The government must decide whether revised prices are necessary to prevent shortages while also ensuring that patients are not pushed further into financial hardship.
The next step now depends on how quickly the prime minister and federal cabinet take up the health ministry’s request. A timely decision could help stabilise supplies of essential medicines, while further delay may deepen shortages and increase pressure on patients, doctors and pharmacies nationwide.