Pakistan has sufficient medicine stocks to meet national demand for the next five to six months, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said, as authorities reviewed supply chain resilience amid the prevailing security situation. The statement came during a meeting chaired by the minister to assess availability of medicines and ensure continuity of supply, attended by officials from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap), the health ministry, and representatives of the pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors. Officials said coordination between the government and industry has helped maintain stable supplies, with measures in place to prevent disruptions in the distribution of essential medicines.
The meeting also reviewed the availability of helium gas used in MRI machines, highlighting its importance for diagnostic services across the country. The minister said oversight mechanisms are being maintained to ensure continuous availability of medicines and reiterated that no shortages are expected despite global uncertainties. Industry representatives said they are maintaining adequate stocks of raw materials and packaging to support uninterrupted production and supply.
The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association said the sector is absorbing rising energy and logistics costs instead of passing them on to consumers, while continuing to supply essential medicines. Officials added that coordination between the ministry and Drap remains ongoing to safeguard supply chains and maintain access to healthcare services.