The pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan has publicly defended the government’s decision to deregulate prices of non-essential medicines that came into effect in February 2024 despite growing concerns from the public over sharp price increases. Industry leaders and the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) argue that deregulation under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has stimulated export growth, revived pharmaceutical production lines that were previously unviable and attracted investment.

A recent countrywide survey commissioned by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) aims to assess how deregulation has affected affordability and access to critical non-essential drugs. Data will be collected from pharmacies hospitals clinics and distributors in major urban and rural centres to gauge regional impacts. Industry stakeholders have complained that they were not consulted in the survey design and fear it may lead to reactive measures that could undermine regulatory certainty.

Financial reports show sharp growth in pharma export numbers and soaring profits for local manufacturers since deregulation was introduced. Net sales have jumped significantly and many companies claim rising costs of raw materials currency depreciation and logistical challenges have squeezed margins before deregulation became effective. While profits have increased industry leaders argue that patient welfare has not been forgotten and emphasize that essential medicines remain under price controls.

Public voices tell a different story: patients struggling to purchase medicines for diabetes hypertension psychiatric disorders and pain relief say prices have become unaffordable. Government hospitals facing stockouts of basic drugs force patients to purchase from private pharmacies where compromises are made between necessity and cost. Some medicines previously priced modestly have doubled or even tripled in price sparking demands for a more balanced approach.

Health ministry officials have begun to acknowledge these concerns. Statements from key ministers suggest reconsidering regulatory adjustments or introducing a tiered pricing structure that balances industry sustainability with patient affordability. Experts warn that longer term credibility of deregulation depends on transparency stakeholder inclusion in policy formulation and robust monitoring to prevent misuse or unexpected price surges.

Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry stands at a crossroads. Deregulation has delivered clear financial benefits and export gains. Yet the promise of sustainable access for all hinges on whether the government steps in to regulate unfair rises and protect patients when market forces threaten basic healthcare.