The federal government of Pakistan is evaluating a proposal the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommended to implement a sales tax on pharmaceuticals.
Sources suggest that this tax could range between 10% and 18%. Federal officials have noted that while essential medicines will remain price-controlled, pharmaceutical companies may be allowed to adjust the prices of other drugs independently. The caretaker government had also considered this step towards potentially deregulating medicine pricing.
Healthcare experts are raising concerns over these developments, warning that imposing a sales tax and deregulated prices could significantly increase the cost of medicines.
Such changes might render essential healthcare products unaffordable for a large Pakistani population. These experts advocate for measures incorporated within health insurance frameworks and public health initiatives to maintain accessible medication prices.
As it stands, a vast number of Pakistanis depend daily on medications for managing a range of health issues, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and various other chronic and non-communicable diseases.
