Huge Gap in Medicine Prices: Pharmacists Urge PM to Take Action for Public Relief
ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Young Pharmacist Association (PYPA) has raised serious concerns over the massive disparity between medicine prices in government hospitals and retail markets, urging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene and bring price relief for ordinary citizens.
In a formal letter addressed to the PM, the association requested that the same low-cost medicine rates approved for public sector hospitals in Punjab be extended to the general public nationwide.
💊 Shocking Price Gaps Revealed
According to the official price list issued on July 26 by the Punjab Health Department, many essential and life-saving medicines are being procured at significantly lower costs by government hospitals—while the public is paying up to 4,000% more in the open market.
Examples from the list include:
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Montelukast (for asthma)
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Govt rate: Rs. 3.07 per tablet
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Market rate: Rs. 93
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Difference: 3,029% markup
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Omeprazole 20mg (for stomach acid)
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Govt rate: Rs. 1.70
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Market rate: Rs. 67.85
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Difference: 3,991% markup
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🗣️ PYPA Calls for Urgent Reforms
Dr. Furqan Ibrahim, General Secretary of PYPA, who signed the letter, emphasized that such price disparities are creating a healthcare affordability crisis, especially for patients managing chronic conditions.
He urged the government to:
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Standardize medicine prices across public and private sectors
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Ensure price transparency
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Prevent profiteering by pharmaceutical retailers
📢 Public Demand for Price Parity
Healthcare professionals and patient rights groups have echoed the PYPA’s concerns, urging authorities to extend government-negotiated medicine prices to pharmacies across the country. Doing so could save families thousands of rupees each month and improve access to vital treatments.
