PMA concerned over shortage of medicines

LAHORE: The Pakistan Medical Association (Centre) has expressed grave concern over the widespread unavailability of essential medicines especially for the treatment of heart disease and hepatitis across Pakistan, with particularly acute shortages reported in Sindh and Punjab provinces.

The PMA has received numerous complaints from patients and healthcare providers regarding this critical shortage. The PMA strongly condemned the negligence and apathy displayed by the authorities in addressing this pressing healthcare crisis.

The PMA Centre General Secretary Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro said that the critical shortage of life-saving medications for heart disease and hepatitis is a matter of life and death. The patients are suffering, and lives are at risk due to this unacceptable lack of access to essential treatment. We demand immediate government intervention to ensure the timely supply of these vital medicines to prevent further tragedy, he said.

The PMA highlighted the reports indicating a significant shortage of essential medications used to treat heart disease and hepatitis across the country, with the situation particularly dire in Sindh and Punjab provinces. The lack of access to these medications poses a severe threat to the lives of countless patients suffering from these conditions. Delayed or interrupted treatment can lead to serious complications and even death. The shortage disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing health inequalities, he added.

The PMA urged the provincial governments to take immediate action to address this critical situation by taking immediate steps to ensure the swift and reliable supply of all essential medicines for heart disease and hepatitis, particularly to affected regions. A thorough investigation is needed to determine the root causes of the shortage and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.

The government must strengthen its drug regulatory mechanisms to ensure the availability and quality of essential medicines. The government must ensure transparency and accountability in the procurement and distribution of essential medicines.

He said the PMA remained committed to advocating for the rights of patients and will continue to monitor the situation closely. We call on all stakeholders to work together to resolve this critical issue and ensure that all Pakistanis have access to the essential medicines they need to survive, he added.