80% of Previously Unavailable Medicines Return to Market After Price Deregulation

PPMA: 80% of drugs missing for the past 22 months now available
Karachi/Islamabad, February 10, 2026 – The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) has reported a major improvement in the availability of medicines following the deregulation of drug prices.
According to the PPMA, approximately 80 percent of the medicines that had disappeared from the market over the past 22 months are now back on the shelves. These include essential and life-saving drugs used for the treatment of various critical and chronic conditions.
A senior PPMA official stated:
“The decision to deregulate medicine prices has enabled the industry to resume and scale up production, and restore the supply chain. As a result, around 80% of the medicines that were unavailable in the market for nearly two years have now returned. This is a significant relief for patients, hospitals, and pharmacies alike.”
He added that work is actively underway to bring the remaining 20% of missing medicines back to the market, with noticeable progress already being made — particularly in categories such as oncology, cardiology, diabetes, antibiotics, and other essential chronic-care drugs.
Experts believe that the market-based pricing policy has not only helped manufacturers cover production costs but has also encouraged timely import of raw materials and investment in new manufacturing facilities. The sector is now showing clear signs of stabilization and recovery.