Life-Saving Medicines Vanishing from Markets in Azad Kashmir, Patients in Distress

Muzaffarabad: Raja Sajad Ahmad Khan, Advocate, has expressed grave concern over the skyrocketing prices of life-saving medicines and their disappearance from the market. He stated that more than 55% of medicines for diseases such as tuberculosis, blood pressure, diabetes, heart ailments, and insulin have vanished from the market, leaving patients facing severe difficulties.

Even when the medicines are available, their prices have increased dramatically. Raja Sajad criticized the collusion of pharmaceutical companies in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir for engaging in black marketing, leading to shortages of essential medicines. He also condemned the government’s criminal silence on the issue, which has left the public at the mercy of these companies that are exploiting the situation.

He pointed out that a product available for Rs. 100 through government supply is now being sold at up to Rs. 1500 in local medical stores, making it increasingly unaffordable for the general population. He called for immediate action to ensure the availability of quality medicines at affordable prices and to regulate the pharmaceutical market effectively.