NewKerala.com

Pakistan's Lifesaving Drugs at Risk from Middle East Crisis, Warns Report

A new report warns that Pakistan's pharmaceutical industry could face shortages of lifesaving drugs in the coming weeks due to the ongoing Middle East crisis disrupting supply chains. The country heavily relies on imported raw materials, with most local manufacturers holding limited stocks due to financial constraints. Health officials and regulators are assessing stock levels and working to establish alternative supply chains to prevent disruptions. Experts warn that any shortage would be critical for patients with chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, for whom medication is life-sustaining.

Key Points: Pakistan Drug Shortage Risk from Middle East Tensions

  • Supply chain disruption risk
  • Limited raw material stocks
  • Potential for black market
  • Manufacturing costs may rise
  • Chronic disease patients most vulnerable
2 min read

Pakistan faces potential medicine shortages due to Middle East tensions: Report

Report warns Pakistan faces potential medicine shortages due to Middle East supply chain disruptions, threatening patients with chronic diseases.

"For patients with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and chronic liver diseases... medications are not optional-they are life-sustaining treatments. - Dr Talal Khurshid"

New Delhi, March 19

Pakistan's pharmaceutical industry could face a shortage of lifesaving drugs in coming weeks due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East even as medical treatment costs already remain unbearable for the majority, a new report has said.

Potential for disruptions in supply arose with rise in freight costs and fuel prices, while a health official on condition of anonymity, said most local manufacturers hold limited stocks of raw materials because of financial constraints and that any disruption in international supply chains could quickly translate into local shortages, according to the report from Dawn.

The health ministry official said that the administration is in contact with the pharmaceutical sector to assess stock levels and ensure that essential medicines remain available.

"The situation has also provided an opportunity for unscrupulous elements to black-market medicines," the report warned.

Regulators reassured the public that immediate shortages were unlikely, the report said, adding that pharmaceutical manufacturers foresee the cost of manufacturing rising if the conflict continues, leading to energy price hike and devaluation of the Pakistani rupee.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) said that domestic stocks were sufficient for about three months.

Pakistan heavily relies on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and other essential raw materials, a major portion of which is imported via Middle Eastern countries.

The report cited consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist Dr Talal Khurshid, urging health authorities to take immediate notice of potential medication shortages in Pakistan due to the ongoing Middle East crisis, especially to ensure uninterrupted medical supplies' access to patients suffering from chronic diseases.

"For patients with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis, medications are not optional-they are life-sustaining treatments," he added.

Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manu­facturers Association (PPMA North) Chairman, Usman Shaukat, said the association and DRAP are working closely with the pharmaceutical industry to ensure alternative supply chains are established, preventing disruptions in material supplies.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
It highlights the importance of self-reliance in pharmaceuticals. India has worked hard on API manufacturing through schemes like PLI. Geopolitical tensions always disrupt supply chains, so having domestic capacity is not just an economic issue, it's a national security issue. 🇮🇳
A
Aman W
The report mentions black-marketing. This is the worst part. When shortages happen, the vulnerable suffer while profiteers make money. Strong regulatory action is needed to prevent this. Hope their DRAP can control the situation.
S
Sarah B
From a purely humanitarian perspective, this is tragic. Patients with diabetes or hypertension can't just stop their medication. The international community should ensure medical supply chains are protected during conflicts. This affects real people, not politics.
V
Vikram M
The economic angle is key. Devaluation of currency and high fuel prices will make everything worse. It's a domino effect. While the immediate focus is on medicine, the overall economic stability of the region is crucial for everyone's well-being, including ours.
K
Karthik V
With respect, I think our media should also focus on how such global crises could impact India's pharma supply chains. We also import APIs. It's a reminder to audit our own strategic reserves and dependencies, not just report on the neighbour.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50