ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday chaired the eighth meeting of the Cabinet Committee constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review recommendations of the Drug Pricing Committee and the Policy Board of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
During the meeting, DRAP presented recommendations on new drug price fixation cases, hardship applications, pricing matters, and the availability of essential medicines. The authority also briefed the committee on progress made since its previous meeting and submitted proposals for consideration.
Addressing the meeting, Aurangzeb stressed that drug pricing decisions should be transparent, evidence-based, and made through a consultative process while serving the broader public interest.
He emphasized the need to balance patients’ access to essential medicines with the sustainability of the pharmaceutical supply chain and the affordability of medicines.
The finance minister also highlighted the importance of clear public communication to explain the rationale behind decisions affecting critical medicines.
