Govt Consider Changes To DRAP Drug Pricing Formula

Notably, the administration is considering changes to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan's drug pricing framework to strengthen oversight of medicine rate increases and protect consumers from unjustified costs.

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• Cheema further directed that a Health Economist and a Public Health expert be included on the DRAP Policy Board to strengthen expertise and evidence based decision making.
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• The minister additionally ordered office-holders to finalize revised rules for the Hardship Policy.
• Cheema remarked the current mechanism for determining medicine rate increases requires a comprehensive review.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Senator Ahad Cheema directed the Ministry of National Health Services and DRAP to urgently review the existing pricing formula, including the Hardship Policy and the composition of the DRAP Policy Board.

Cheema remarked the current mechanism for determining medicine rate increases requires a comprehensive review. He directed DRAP to introduce greater scrutiny and independent checks so that cost pressures are not automatically passed on to consumers through higher medicine rates. SECP Introduces One-Day Account Opening for Stock Market Investors.

Meanwhile, the minister additionally ordered office-holders to finalize revised rules for the Hardship Policy. He remarked the policy should provide relief only in genuine cases and should not become a way for businesses to transfer disproportionate commercial costs to patients.

Cheema further directed that a Health Economist and a Public Health expert be included on the DRAP Policy Board to strengthen expertise and evidence based decision making. DRAP and the Ministry of National Health Services agreed with the proposed changes.

Notably, the session additionally examined importer and retailer margins. Cheema remarked importers that receive tax concessions or other administration relief under the Hardship Policy should additionally consider rationalizing their own margins rather than passing the full cost on to consumers. DRAP was directed to examine existing margins, including cases where they may be around 40 percent, and propose adjustments under the revised rules.

Notably, the session additionally reviewed pricing mechanisms for originator and existing brands. DRAP authorities stated originator brands at present apply international reference pricing based on rates in neighboring and other relevant countries. Cheema directed DRAP to introduce independent verification of international reference rates and strengthen checks within the overall drug pricing system.

Cheema remarked drug pricing decisions directly affect millions of households and that the regulatory framework must balance the sustainability of the pharmaceutical sector with medicine affordability and consumer protection. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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In short, govt Consider Changes To DRAP Drug Pricing Formula is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.