KARACHI: Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association stopped supply of innumerable medicines in market and sold them at high prices. DRAP raided many warehouses and recovered medicines worth of millions.

Chairman Consumer Association of Pakistan (CAP) Kaukab Iqbal talking to media persons said that prices of medicines have increased unjustifiably in past years. Now that Federal Ministry of Health has refused to increase prices of medicines, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association has blackmailed DRAP by giving one week’s respite.  Kaukab Iqbal said that in any case, increase in prices of medicines is not acceptable because people are already suffering from Dengue and various viruses.

Hospitals of across country are full of Dengue patients and people are worried about treating their loved ones.  Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association says that it will determine prices of medicines on its own, which is not true in any way. This is work of DRAP.  If they do not change and do not ensure supply of life-saving and pain-reducing medicines at low prices, a case will be filed against them in consumer courts.  He said that people in areas of Sindh are worried about floods, still water is accumulating in houses, due to which diseases are increasing, people do not have food and how can they buy expensive medicines to save their lives are Kaukab Iqbal said that in last twenty years, people associated with pharma industry have gradually become billionaires.  Some black wolves sold expired medicines. He said that pharma industry all over Pakistan has given incentives to doctors to sell more of their medicines instead of Messiah, making them commission agents. Market is full of substandard medicines.  

He demanded that all medical stores should be checked along with standard of each pharma industry. Kaukab Iqbal clarified that there are basic health problems due to epidemic diseases in flood affected areas but instead of Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association voluntarily distributing its medicines for free under corporate social responsibility, they have not only reduced supply of medicines in diseases but has also increased prices of medicines itself.  Association of Pakistan strongly condemns their action. 

They said that according to information, fake medicines have been spread across country, including Keflam, Velosef Capsules, Azomexi, Meronium Injection, Zenax, Risek, Dexo Capsule, Dicloran and others.  

Who is responsible for innumerable fake medicines? Who is supplier selling these fake medicines at medical store? He said that people are losing their lives by using fake medicines.  He demanded that fake medicines and the perpetrators should be punished severely.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 04 2022

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.