New Delhi, March 29: Reports indicate a significant increase in medicine prices in Pakistan, particularly in Rawalpindi, a major pharmaceutical hub. According to local media, prices in Bohor Market have surged between 50% and 500% amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Essential medications for diabetes, hypertension, antibiotics, and treatments for digestive issues and coughs have seen dramatic price hikes. The Express Tribune reports that the cost of insulin injection devices has risen from 2,200 Pakistani Rupees (PKR) to 4,720 PKR in the open market.
A report published on Sunday highlights that the price of vitamin B supplements has increased from 500 PKR to 600 PKR. Similarly, the cost of a packet of medication for indigestion and acidity has jumped from 530 PKR to 620 PKR. Nutritional supplements and vitamin tablets have also seen a price rise, going from 480 PKR to 510 PKR.
The price of thyroid medication has escalated from 85 PKR to 290 PKR, while common typhoid treatment costs have increased from 805 PKR to 930 PKR. Many other life-saving medications have also experienced price increases.
This surge has been described as “unbearable.” With insulin device prices now ranging between 2,000 and 5,000 PKR, low-income patients are finding it increasingly difficult to access essential treatments. They are urging the government to intervene in this crisis.
Additionally, due to ongoing conflicts in West Asia, the average price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has risen significantly, with cylinder prices increasing from 3,150-3,968 PKR to 3,900-5,135 PKR.
Citing data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), another prominent newspaper, Dawn, reported on March 26 that the highest price increases have been recorded in cities across Punjab province.
As gas prices continue to rise, fares for LPG-powered private vehicles have also increased, placing an additional burden on low- and middle-income passengers who rely on LPG-powered rickshaws, buses, and minibuses.
The global rise in LPG prices due to the ongoing conflict has also led to a reduction in gas supply from Iran. Previously, Iran supplied 10,000 to 12,000 tons of gas daily, but this has decreased due to the Eid and Nowruz holidays. According to M. Ali Haider, chairman of the LPG committee of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, three ships carrying approximately 20,000 tons of imported LPG arrived in Pakistan in March.
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