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Drug prices skyrocket after de-control policy

Pharmaceutical companies raise rates at their discretion, making essential medicines unaffordable for ordinary citizens

Abid Lodhi 12:10 PM, 22 Aug, 2025
Long shot of medicine shelves in a pharmacy highlighting rising drug prices in Pakistan after de-control policy.
Caption: Drug prices in Pakistan rise sharply as pharmaceutical companies increase costs following government’s de-control policy. (Image courtesy of BBC)

Drug prices skyrocket after de-control policy

KARACHI: Following the government’s decision to decontrol medicine prices, pharmaceutical companies have begun fixing rates at their own discretion, leading to a steep and unprecedented surge in drug costs across Pakistan.

Reports indicate that prices of both life-saving and essential medicines are being raised almost every month, placing them further out of reach for ordinary citizens.

Some of the sharp price hikes reported include:

  • Neurobion Injection: Rs. 1,100 → Rs. 1,400
  • Flagyl Tablet Pack: Rs. 803 → Rs. 923
  • Sangobion (Iron deficiency capsules): Rs. 230 → Rs. 300
  • Ponstan Forte Pack: Rs. 865 → Rs. 1,095
  • Ponstan Simple: Rs. 1,800 → Rs. 2,108
  • Scard Plus: Rs. 156 → Rs. 256
  • Decloran Tablet: Rs. 170 → Rs. 365
  • Cetamet (Diabetes medicine, pack): Rs. 470 → Rs. 650
  • Myo Can Syrup: Rs. 156 → Rs. 173
  • Panadol Tablet Pack: Rs. 600 → Rs. 843

Health experts have warned that the unchecked price surge is leaving patients unable to afford even the most basic treatments. They stressed that the government must intervene urgently to restore affordability and ensure access to essential medicines for the general population.


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