The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (PPMA) today refuted claims of a widespread medicine shortage in Pakistan, calling recent reports ‘alarmist’ and ‘unfounded.’
The association challenged assertions made by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) in a major newspaper, stating that the reports misrepresent the actual situation. PPMA Chairman Tauqeer Ul Haq emphasized that the claims lack factual basis and could cause undue public anxiety. He highlighted last year”s government decisions on essential medicine pricing and deregulation of non-essential medications as factors that stabilized drug supplies.
Haq stated that the deregulation of non-essential medications ensures a steady flow of both essential and life-saving drugs throughout the nation. He further argued that reports of a crisis disregard the strength of the local pharmaceutical sector. While acknowledging the exit of some multinational companies, he stressed that Pakistani manufacturers, adhering to international quality benchmarks, offer viable alternatives.
The PPMA Chairman admitted that vaccine availability needs immediate focus but described it as a global, not just a national, issue. He assured that the PPMA is collaborating with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and other relevant parties to enhance domestic vaccine production for a lasting resolution. He cautioned against ‘selective and exaggerated narratives’ that overlook efforts by regulators and local producers. He maintained that medications, including insulin, heparin, and other cardiometabolic brands, along with substitutes, are readily accessible, and the industry is dedicated to maintaining consistent supply. He added that spreading unsubstantiated shortage claims undermines trust in the healthcare system.
Dismissing reports of patients lacking vital therapies, the PPMA said claims of extensive shortages risk sparking unnecessary alarm. Of the 80 brands reported unavailable by the PMA, only seven, like Chloro-butanol and Emedastine Difumarate, are unavailable but their local alternatives are readily accessible. Other brands like Sodium Amidotrizoate, face intermittent availability, but replacements are offered.
In the case of insulin, only one specific brand is absent from the market while others remain available. The PPMA noted that anti-cancer medications and insulin are mainly stocked in temperature-controlled pharmacy settings and hospitals due to their specific storage requirements. The PPMA Chairman concluded by saying that such claims disregard proactive measures taken by regulators and local manufacturers, who are working to ensure patients” uninterrupted access to necessary treatments.