ISLAMABAD – DUNYA NEWS In response to pharmaceutical industry demands, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed an 18-member committee to investigate the surge in pharmaceutical prices.
The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association demanded a 40% price rise for its medicines, alleging that currency depreciation and other factors have increased the cost of manufacturing in Pakistan.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar will chair the committee, which will also comprise Ministers of Health Abdul Qadir Patel and Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, as well as Advisor to the Prime Minister on Establishment Ahad Khan Cheema.
Dr. Fakhre Alam, federal secretary of health, Fareeha Mazhar, secretary of the board of investments, and Dr. M. Jehanzeb Khan, SAPM on Government Effectiveness
In addition to examining the present Drug Pricing Policy 2018 and its adjustments, the committee will consult with firms concerning the rise in medicine prices.
It will make suggestions in a report to the prime minister on how to meet the demands of both domestic and international pharmaceutical companies.
