Medicine prices rise sharply in Pakistan – Check insulin rates

LAHORE: Patients in Pakistan, especially those with diabetes, are struggling as the prices of insulin and other essential medicines rise sharply. Many people are finding it difficult to afford their treatment.

Insulin, which is vital for diabetes management, has more than doubled in price. The injection device now costs Rs4,720, up from Rs2,200. Medicines for indigestion and acidity have increased from Rs530 to Rs620 per pack. Packs of vitamins and nutritional supplements have gone up from Rs480 to Rs510, while a vitamin B deficiency medicine now costs Rs600, up from Rs500.

Thyroid medicines have seen a major jump from Rs85 to Rs290, and typhoid medications have risen from Rs805 to Rs930. Other essential drugs have also become much more expensive, causing concern among patients and healthcare experts.

Pakistan is facing a serious diabetes crisis, with 33–34 million adults affected, which is about 26–31% of the population, ranking the country 3rd in the world. According to the International Diabetes Federation, there are 589 million people with diabetes globally, and 85 million in the MENA region. By 2050, the number in the MENA region is expected to rise to 163 million.

Rising medicine prices are making it harder for patients to manage their health, highlighting the urgent need for action to make treatments more affordable.