Concerns Over Soaring Drug Prices The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services (NHS) has voiced strong disapproval of the recent deregulation of medicine prices in Pakistan. During a session held on September 10, 2025, committee members expressed frustration over the rising cost of essential medicines, which has made healthcare increasingly unaffordable for ordinary citizens.

Government’s Deregulation Decision Under Scrutiny The deregulation move was initiated by the caretaker government just before its tenure ended, allowing pharmaceutical companies to set prices independently. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal informed the committee that a decision to reverse this policy would be made after conducting a comprehensive survey.

Impact on Public Health and Affordability Senator Dr. Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur highlighted the growing burden on flood-affected communities, where access to affordable medicines has become a critical issue. The committee also raised alarms about the prevalence of counterfeit drugs, which are being sold at inflated prices, further endangering public health.

Call for Regulatory Oversight and Transparency Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, the committee chairman, directed the Ministry of Health to submit a detailed report on medicine pricing. He also emphasized the need to expedite the registration of new drugs to improve market availability and competition.

Digital Reforms in Medical Device Regulation In a positive development, the Health Minister announced the launch of an online portal for medical device import regulation. This system has already processed 180 cases, eliminating the need for applicants to physically visit DRAP offices.

Broader Healthcare Concerns Raised The session also touched on other pressing issues:

  • C-section Overuse: Senator Danesh Kumar criticized the increasing number of cesarean deliveries, suggesting that financial incentives may be influencing medical decisions. He called for data collection on C-section rates across federal and provincial hospitals.
  • MDCAT Exam Delay Proposal: In light of recent floods, Senator Mirza Mohammad Afridi proposed postponing the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) to November. The PMDC president confirmed that the matter was under review, with 138,000 candidates registered for the October 6 exam.
  • Dengue Outbreak in Islamabad: Senator Fawzia Arshad expressed concern over the rising number of dengue cases in the capital and urged immediate fumigation efforts to contain the spread.

Conclusion: A Call for Balanced Reform The Senate committee’s response underscores the delicate balance between pharmaceutical industry sustainability and public health protection. While digital reforms and regulatory streamlining are steps forward, the committee insists that affordability and transparency must remain central to healthcare policy