West Asia war: Pak faces severe shortage of drugs
image for illustrative purpose
New Delhi: Pakistan is facing a serious shortage of essential medicines as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupts the import of pharmaceutical raw materials and other critical supplies, according to a new report.
The neighbour nation’s existing stock of pharmaceutical raw materials is sufficient for only about one-and-a-half months, according to the report in The Express Tribune.
The conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has led to the suspension of several international flights, affecting Pakistan’s ability to import life-saving medicines, pharmaceutical ingredients and baby formula.
According to the report, the situation could have severe consequences for ordinary Pakistanis already grappling with high inflation and expensive healthcare.
Patients those are suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease could be particularly vulnerable if shortages trigger price spikes or limit availability.
“Many of them depend on the country’s public healthcare system,” according to the report.
Infant nutrition could also be affected, as baby formula is largely imported and prolonged disruptions could reduce supplies, the report said. The report also noted that Pakistan’s dependence on imported pharmaceutical ingredients has long been a concern among health experts.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, experts had warned about the country’s limited capacity to manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients domestically and highlighted the risks of relying heavily on cheaper imports.
