ISLAMABAD: A federal cabinet subcommittee has approved the prices of 52 newly registered life-saving medicines, a move aimed at improving patient access to essential treatments once the decision receives final approval from the federal cabinet.
The meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and attended by Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, the Health Secretary, and officials from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). The committee reviewed pricing proposals for a range of medicines used in the treatment of serious and chronic illnesses.
According to officials, the approved medicines include treatments for cancer, diabetes, hemophilia, and Parkinson’s disease. The pricing decision will now be submitted to the federal cabinet for final approval. After cabinet endorsement, DRAP will issue an official notification, allowing the medicines to be legally marketed and sold in Pakistan.
Among the approved medicines is Keytruda, a modern immunotherapy drug used worldwide to treat more than 20 types of cancer. The list also includes Nivolumab, Dasatinib, Meropenem, and several insulin products used in the treatment of diabetes and other critical medical conditions.
During the meeting, the Ministry of National Health Services emphasized the need for timely pricing approvals to ease difficulties faced by patients. Officials also stressed that decisions on medicine prices should remain transparent and serve the public interest.
According to the ministry, delays in approving prices had forced many patients to rely on unregistered, smuggled, or expensive imported medicines, increasing both treatment costs and health risks. Authorities said the latest decision is expected to improve the availability of quality-assured medicines while reducing dependence on illegal supply channels.
Officials added that wider access to registered medicines would strengthen Pakistan’s healthcare system, improve treatment options for patients, and support a more transparent pharmaceutical market. The move is also expected to ensure that patients receive safe and effective medicines through regulated channels once the required approvals and notifications are completed.
