ISLAMABAD: A recent news report claimed that the prices of medicines have been consistently rising since the deregulation policy was introduced by the caretaker government in February 2024. The report alleged that this increase has particularly impacted drugs for chronic ailments, rendering them unaffordable for the general public. However, several discrepancies and gaps in the report’s claims have been identified.
Anecdotal Evidence Without Substantiation: The report heavily relies on anecdotal accounts from a pharmacy manager, a medical store owner, and healthcare professionals. While their observations highlight rising costs, the article fails to provide detailed or verified data for specific drugs or their price increases related to chronic ailments like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
Chronic Ailments Not Evident in Price Hike Data: Fact-checking reveals no direct evidence supporting the claim that medicines for chronic diseases have been significantly affected. A comparative analysis of drug prices provided by regulators shows that the listed drugs with substantial price hikes are primarily for acute conditions, such as pain, nausea, allergies, and cough.
- Xobix 75mg Tablet (Meloxicam): Price increased by 140% (painkiller).
- Stemetil Tablet (Prochlorperazine): Price increased by 188% (for nausea/vomiting).
- Avil Injection (Pheneramine maleate): Price increased by 246.49% (anti-allergic).
- None of these drugs are indicated for chronic conditions.
- Unsubstantiated Claims of 218% Increase in Drotaverine: The report highlights a specific case of the antispasmodic drug drotaverine, which it claims experienced a 218% price increase. However, no evidence or data has been presented to substantiate this claim, casting doubt on its accuracy.
- Regulated Price Adjustments for Essential Medicines: The fact check confirms that Digestine 10mg (Metoclopramide), cited in the news report, is included in the National Essential Medicines List (NEML). Its price was regulated and adjusted through proper government notification (SRO 229(I)/2024), contradicting the article’s implication of unchecked price hikes for all drugs.
The claims in the news report are misleading. While there have been significant price increases for some medicines, the fact check reveals no evidence to support the assertion that the deregulation policy has primarily impacted drugs for chronic ailments. Additionally, some cited examples of price hikes lack verifiable data.
