Pricing delay raises shortage of medicine, counterfeiting risks

The delay in federal cabinet decisions on price revisions for 105 critical medicines, recommended by the Drug Price Regulatory Authority (Drap) two years ago, has led to severe shortages. These shortages, including for life-saving drugs for cancer and heart disease, have opened the door for counterfeit and substandard products to enter the market, raising significant public health risks. This inaction by the government not only jeopardizes patient safety but also undermines the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain, highlighting the urgent need for timely policy decisions.