Revision of regulatory framework governing drug pricing ordered
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division, Senator Ahad Cheema, has directed the Ministry of National Health Services and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to urgently revise the regulatory framework governing drug pricing, including changes to the Hardship Policy and the composition of the DRAP Policy Board, with a clear focus on protecting…
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division, Senator Ahad Cheema, has ordered a revision of the regulatory framework governing drug pricing in Pakistan. The Ministry of National Health Services and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) are tasked with reviewing the Hardship Policy and the composition of the DRAP Policy Board.
The aim is to prevent unjustified price increases while ensuring the availability of essential medicines for consumers. Cheema expressed dissatisfaction with DRAP’s current formula for determining price increases, emphasizing the need for a transparent, evidence-based, and fully justified mechanism. He directed DRAP to strengthen the price-increase formula with greater scrutiny and independent checks.
Additionally, the composition of the DRAP Policy Board will be revised to include a health economist and a public health expert, aiming to strengthen expertise and evidence-based decision-making.
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