The government has finalized a new policy to make an effective control on the drug prices, but according to some experts the problem will be at the implementation level as the policy is apparently marred by errors and complications.
The drug manufacturing is sensitive and the most important issue concerning the human health. It is trillions of dollar business all over the world, but also a sacred mission. In Pakistan it has never been treated even at the basic level as industry or mission. Manufacturing of drug is a continuous process and needs new research and modern technology. Pakistan is one of the worst countries in the world with low per capita health facilities and availability of drugs is also below the average. People die for want of drugs and even the drug prices are not rationalised. A drug made of the same substance is available under various brands with hell of difference between their prices.
The issue of spurious drug manufacturing is also very common and import of Indian drugs scot-free is adding insult to injury. An effort is being made to grant India the status of the Most Favoured Nation. Apparently, there is no harm in it as free trade agreements bring more benefits than losses. But freedom always comes with limitations. The MFN status to India should be granted by working out modalities to protect the local industry. India is not a rich or developed country and there is no reason in Pakistan to fear from the Indian industry. The quality of the Pakistani products always remained better than India and drug is no exception. The main purpose of the drug policy should be availability of drugs at affordable prices. The experts believe that only India and Bangladesh are mentioned in the prices proposed to be fixed by the External Reference Pricing but there is a need to include 10 other countries from Asia and Africa to provide a better option to the patients.
The government should introduce a package for the health sector and ensure manufacturing and availability of drugs according to the human needs and not according to the monetary status of the individuals. The difference between the prices made of the same substance should also be minimised.There is no dearth of pharmaceutical experts in Pakistan and their expertise should be utilized to provide heath relief to the people. It will also stop brain drain from the country.