In Pakistan, the cost of medicines has surged by 14.15% over the past year, as revealed by a recent official report. This significant increase has resulted in healthcare facilities becoming 15.22% more expensive, creating financial hardships for individuals seeking medical treatment. The escalating prices in the healthcare sector reflect broader economic challenges faced by the country, making access to essential services increasingly difficult for many citizens.
The report highlights that doctors’ fees have also risen dramatically, climbing by 18.76%. This additional financial burden compounds the struggles faced by patients who are already grappling with rising healthcare costs. Notably, medicine prices increased by 1.66% in September alone, with dental services witnessing an eye-popping 29.47% hike. Medical tests have not been spared either, seeing a rise of 7.32%, which further adds to the costs patients must bear to receive medical care.
Overall, the cumulative effect has made medical facilities 17.12% more expensive in the last year, complicating the already challenging landscape for healthcare access. The economic situation is further exacerbated by rising prices in other sectors, including a 9.58% increase in education-related costs and a staggering 168.79% surge in vehicle taxes. Additionally, the prices of textbooks and stationery have risen by 5.75% and 7.71%, respectively.
Earlier in May, experts anticipated that the introduction of a sales tax of up to 18% would contribute to the upward trend in medicine prices. Proposed by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination in the federal budget, this tax was influenced by recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Observers have warned that the imposition of an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on medicines could render essential medications unaffordable for many, allowing pharmaceutical companies greater freedom to set prices without sufficient regulatory oversight. As a result, these developments raise concerns about the implications for public health and the overall affordability of healthcare in Pakistan.
