The paracetamol brand has discontinued operating as a pharmaceutical company in Pakistan, according to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan. The manufacturer claims that the drug’s production was discontinued mostly due to problems with the drug’s cost-effectiveness.
The corporation also urged the regional authorities to raise the cost of the medication, but their requests were ignored. One of the most popular medications in Pakistan, particularly in the areas impacted by the floods, is Panadol and the brand name paracetamol. Due to an increase in dengue incidence, demand for paracetamol products has also increased in urban areas.
The federal cabinet reportedly rejected the DRAP’s request for a 1 rupee rise in the price of tablets, according to the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association of Pakistan. The group opposed the makers’ ability to maintain the same pricing for the drug’s sale. However, the producing company has recently argued that the existing pricing does not balance the cost of production. Due to the recent increase in dengue and COVID-19 cases, there is a Panadol scarcity that is causing problems across the nation. This is mainly because medics regularly prescribe this drug to ease the pain.
However, certain other generic medications have also proven hard to find on the market. Panadol’s departure is what’s causing the nation’s dilemma. Health professionals advise the health department to discuss the patients’ sincere and serious concerns with the federal government to find a long-term solution by guaranteeing that the drug is available on the market to consumer demand.
Panadol is short in the market. Shortage to persist. Counterfeit product is spreading. Genuine product is selling in black at 2-3 times the MRP.
Reason – Production is reduced to bare minimum.
Why – Cost of production is higher than regulated selling price.
1/— Ali khizar (@AliKhizar) September 11, 2022
The lack of Panadol could not have come at a worse time. Due to the recent floods, Panadol is currently in exceptionally high demand in Pakistan. To be clear, Panadol is a generic medication used to treat fevers, minor discomfort from shots, and headaches. As a result, the medication is highly sought after in flood-affected areas where many illnesses, including typhoid, dengue fever, acute respiratory infections, and malaria, are prevalent. With a rise in dengue cases recently recorded, demand has also increased in metropolitan centers.
It is vital to note that the devaluation of the rupee is the main cause of the rising production costs for many essential drugs. As the rupee hit a new record low of Rs221.99 to the dollar in the interbank market, Pakistan is in a difficult situation. The rupee has been falling precipitously.
Google Error showing USD at Rs 207.10 instead of Rs 243 boggles Pakistanis across the world
Because of rising utility, shipping, and other costs as well as rising raw material prices, it is now unfeasible for pharmaceutical companies to produce many necessary medications. It is challenging for manufacturers to make the pharmaceuticals and sell them at a price below the cost of manufacturing due to the high cost of production.
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