Medicines Being Sold at Five Times Higher Price: DRAP Exposed

A recent enforcement effort by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) has brought to light a disturbing trend: pharmacies and medical stores are selling medications at prices five times higher than the officially approved maximum retail price (MRP) in Karachi.

Acting on the directives of caretaker Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan, Drap has initiated a nationwide crackdown on drug profiteering, conducting raids on warehouses, wholesalers, distributors, pharmacies, and medical stores.

Drap guidelines stipulate that pharmaceutical companies can sell medicines below the MRP, but exceeding the MRP requires a case filing with Drap, citing increased production costs that make it financially unfeasible to adhere to the existing MRP. The crackdown in Karachi targeted various medical stores in DHA, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Gulistan-i-Johar, and other areas.

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According to official Drap data, the raids uncovered instances where medicines, such as Heparin Injection (used to reduce blood clotting), were being sold for Rs3,500 instead of the approved MRP of Rs800. Similarly, the painkiller Tramal Injection, antibiotic Augmentin DS Suspension, and Hydryllin cough syrup were also being sold at prices higher than the MRP.

Ventolin Inhaler and Tegral tablets (prescribed for epilepsy and bipolar or mood disorders) were among the medications found to be sold at inflated prices. The crackdown resulted in the confiscation of these medicines, and affected medical stores were sealed.

A similar operation in Lahore revealed overcharging for crucial medicines related to tuberculosis, epilepsy, cancer, and other life-saving drugs. For instance, Tegral tablets, with an MRP of Rs260, were being sold for Rs1,300 or even Rs1,400 in some places.

The situation extended to other medications like Rivotril and Zenax, which were also sold at significantly higher prices than their approved MRPs.

Additionally, the enforcement efforts in Balochistan led to the discovery and confiscation of a consignment of banned syringes. Health Minister Dr. Jan emphasized that legal action is being taken against the owners of medical stores found guilty of selling medicines above the government-approved rates. He underscored Drap’s commitment to maintaining drug quality and ensuring that medications are sold within the government-set MRPs.

Dr. Jan initiated these actions immediately upon assuming ministry responsibilities, directing Drap to curb the sale of drugs in black markets and safeguard drug quality and pricing adherence.