Pakistan Achieves Major Recovery in Medicine Supply, as the pharmaceutical sector stabilizes after two years of severe shortages. The recovery means many essential medicines are now back in production and available at retail outlets, improving healthcare access in Pakistan. Patients can find treatments for tuberculosis, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health conditions more easily.
The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) reported that around 160 of 200 previously unavailable medicines have returned to the market. Supply normalization was possible after the government deregulated prices of non-essential medicines and approved price increases for essential drugs. Tauqeer Ul Haq, former PPMA chairman, highlighted that these steps helped restore drug production while reducing counterfeit medicines and black-market activity.
Pharmaceutical companies in Pakistan, including over 700 local firms and 10 multinationals, expanded production to meet growing demand. Rising manufacturing costs, rupee depreciation, and raw material import challenges, particularly from India, initially slowed supply. However, strategic policies and import adjustments ensured that retail medicine availability improved significantly.
Pharmaceutical exports in Pakistan also grew by 34% in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, reaching $457 million. International certifications such as PIC/S and WHO approvals encouraged companies to increase production and improve quality standards. The domestic pharmaceutical market now shows signs of sustainable growth, and more medicines are expected to return in the coming months.
This recovery in medicine supply to Pakistan not only supports patients but also strengthens the overall healthcare system. By preventing drug shortages and ensuring consistent availability of life-saving medicines, the government and industry are securing long-term public health benefits.
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Pakistan achieves a major recovery in medicine supply, boosting essential medicines availability and strengthening pharmaceutical industry growth.
