Why essential medicines are running short in Pakistan as pricing delays stall production

Pakistan faces a severe shortage of over 100 essential medicines, including life-saving drugs for cancer and heart disease.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan recommended revised prices for 105 hardship-category medicines over two years ago.

Price revision proposals remain pending with the federal cabinet, causing manufacturers to cut or halt production.

Shortages are attributed to prolonged delays in approving revised medicine prices.