By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Medicine and supplement prices in Pakistan continue to remain elevated despite relative stability in the exchange rate, raising fresh public concern over pharmaceutical pricing and regulatory oversight.
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Recent pharmacy purchase evidence shows a 45-tablet pack of Revitale Multi costing approximately Rs 819 in February 2026. Market estimates suggest the same supplement was commonly available around Rs 300 to Rs 400 in 2024, indicating a near doubling in price within two years. Similar trends have been observed in other supplements including Vitamin D products and multivitamin combinations.
What has puzzled many consumers is that the US dollar has remained relatively stable, hovering between approximately Rs 280 and Rs 282 for several months. Traditionally, medicine price increases in Pakistan have been closely linked with currency depreciation because the pharmaceutical sector relies heavily on imported raw materials known as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
Industry sources, however, explain that raw material procurement is not based only on current exchange rates. Many pharmaceutical companies import raw materials months in advance under forward contracts. If purchases were made when the dollar was significantly higher, those higher input costs continue to reflect in finished medicine prices even after the currency stabilizes.
In addition, global raw material prices, shipping costs, energy costs, packaging materials and compliance expenses have increased over the last two years. Pharmaceutical manufacturers say these factors collectively contribute to higher production costs regardless of short-term currency stability.
Another major factor cited is the February 2024 deregulation of prices for many non-essential medicines and supplements. The policy allowed manufacturers greater flexibility in setting retail prices. While the move was intended to improve medicine availability and reduce shortages, consumer groups argue it has also contributed to rapid price increases in supplements and preventive healthcare products.
Healthcare economists warn that while essential medicines remain partially regulated, preventive supplements are increasingly becoming expensive for average households. Multivitamins, Vitamin D supplements and immune-support products are widely used by children, elderly patients and recovering individuals, making affordability a growing public health concern.
Consumer rights groups are now calling for stronger monitoring mechanisms, greater transparency in pharmaceutical pricing and periodic public reporting of cost justifications by manufacturers.
As Pakistan continues to manage inflation and healthcare affordability challenges, experts say balancing industry sustainability with public access to essential and preventive medicines will remain a critical policy challenge in the coming years.
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