Islamabad: Senator Ahad Cheema, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division, has mandated immediate revisions to the drug pricing structure in Pakistan. This decision aims to safeguard consumers from unjustified price hikes while ensuring the availability of essential medicines.

According to Press Information Department, Senator Cheema expressed dissatisfaction with the current Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) formula for price increases, urging a comprehensive review to ensure transparency and justification. He emphasized the need for revised rules under the Hardship Policy, ensuring relief is granted only in genuine cases and not as a means to pass commercial costs onto patients.

Senator Cheema also called for changes to the DRAP Policy Board, advocating for the inclusion of a Health Economist and a Public Health expert to enhance decision-making. The meeting, attended by senior officials, reviewed existing policies and discussed rationalizing importer and retailer margins to prevent additional consumer burdens.