Drug price hike has made essential medicines unaffordable for poor, says PMA report

The government has approved multiple drug price hikes, affecting over 80,000 drugs and burdening the populace whereas inflation and devaluation of the rupee have strained local drug production, making essential medication unaffordable for the poor segments.

This was stated in a report on the health situation in the country revealed on Thursday by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA). Urging the government to intervene immediately to address the medicine crisis, the ‘Health of the Nation’ report for 2024 prepared by the PMA outlines a grim state of health care in the country, necessitating urgent and comprehensive reforms.

The report says Pakistan faces a significant burden of hepatitis B and C with 15 million affected individuals while lack of prevention, testing and treatment resources, along with the presence of quacks, contribute to the rising number of cases.

The report advocates for better control measures, including vaccinations, to curb the spread of these deadly viral diseases. The report terms unsafe drinking water a major health concern as it has been causing a high number of deaths, and states that contaminated water contributes to 40 per cent of deaths nationwide, leading to waterborne diseases, with diarrhoea being a leading cause of infant mortality.

The report emphasises the need for addressing water quality issues to improve public health. Calling for increased testing, awareness and access to lifesaving treatment to combat the HIV/AIDS crisis, the report says Pakistan experiences a rapid rise in HIV infections, with 63,202 registered cases. Limited testing capacity, unsafe practices like syringe reuse and poor awareness contribute to the spread of HIV, the report highlights.

Regarding cancer, the PMA has stated that cancer is a growing concern in Pakistan, particularly among women with breast cancer being the most prevalent cancer. The report mentions that environmental factors and poor dietary habits contribute to the increasing incidence of cancer, making it the second leading cause of death.

Similarly, coronary heart diseases remain a significant health challenge with high mortality rate. The PMA report stresses the need for comprehensive strategies to address cardiovascular diseases, focusing on risk factor control, public education, and lifestyle changes.

Pakistan ranks third globally in the prevalence of diabetes with a staggering 30.8 per cent incidence, the reports says and stresses the severity of the diabetes situation, calling for concerted efforts to address the health crisis.

Early detection, intervention, and preventive measures are crucial to mitigate the increasing burden of diabetes on the healthcare system, the PMA states. The report also sheds light on the alarming statistics related to road traffic accidents and air pollution. Pakistan ranks first in Asia for deaths caused by traffic accidents, which calls for improved road safety measures.

Severe consequences of air pollution, both outdoor and indoor, contribute to premature deaths and respiratory infections, the report points out, adding that lack of implementation of laws addressing these issues is a cause for concern.

Incidents of violence against healthcare workers, particularly during polio vaccination drives, doubled in 2022, the report says as it demands urgent interventions to protect the well-being of healthcare providers.

The report stresses the importance of investing in preventive measures against the diseases and calls for increased health budget allocation. It also highlights the consequences of climate change affecting healthcare. Despite contributing less than 1 per cent to the global carbon footprint, Pakistan faces significant challenges, emphasising the need for adaptive strategies and international assistance.

The PMA has recommended urgent action, increased investment and policy reforms for creating a healthier and more resilient nation. The report urges policymakers to prioritise health and implement meaningful changes to ensure a healthier nation.

In its recommendations part, the report calls for increased healthcare spending, strengthening primary healthcare services, improving accessibility and affordability, implementing policies and programmes that improve accessibility and affordability of healthcare services, and enhancing healthcare workforce.

The PMA report further recommends strengthening disease prevention and control measures, improving healthcare infrastructure, implementing robust health information systems, fostering public-private collaboration, increasing community engagement, and continuous evaluation and monitoring.