Affordable medicines

Pakistan is unfortunately facing a rise in the number of patients suffering from non-communicable diseases. About 148,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed annually in the country. Around 40,000 women die of breast cancer as many of them are not financially sound to afford the expensive medicines required for the treatment. According to a research report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Pakistan is facing a health crisis with rising rates in cardiovascular diseases, this leads to an increase in prices of medicines making it heavier on the pocket of general public.

In such dire circumstances, the alliance between the government and pharmaceutical companies shows that the authorities are taking steps for the betterment of society. One such example is an agreement between the Punjab government and a Swiss pharmaceutical company to provide Rs6 billion worth of medicines to patients without any cost. This gesture of government and international pharmaceutical collaboration will eventually save a number of lives and will provide relief to those who are not able to afford treatment owing to its cost. Companies should be ready to collaborate with government bodies in order to contribute towards a healthier future. Such initiatives have led to optimism and serves as a beacon of hope for many patients.

Fareeha Khan

Karachi