Lahore : Jan 2 : The pneumonia season has taken a toll in Lahore where cases are rapidly increasing exacerbated by the dry winter conditions. Unfortunately despite the heightened demand vaccines are not readily available to the residents.
Medical store owners emphasize that th people are coming forward to get pneumonia vaccines , but the shortage has led to an increase in the prices. In this challenging situation, President of the Pharmaceutical Legal Forum Noor Mehar points out that pharmacies are capitalizing on the pneumonia season for their beneficial medical stores which are selling pneumonia vaccines in the black market taking advantage of the scarcity. Despite the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) not allowing an increase in the price of pneumonia vaccines manufacturers have halted the supply.
The pneumonia season has raised concerns among the public especially with the unavailability of vaccines. The Pharmaceutical Legal Forum calls for immediate action to address the shortage and ensure that vaccines are accessible to those in need.
As Lahore grapples with rising pneumonia cases during the dry winter, the need for a swift resolution to the vaccine supply issue becomes crucial to safeguard the health of the residents.
The vaccines are not readily available in local market in Lahore . If any product is available in selected areas of Lahore its being sold at exorbitant prices. The drug inspectors of the Punjab Healthcare Department seem totally indifferent to the issue as no action is being taken by them against black- marketing of pneumonia vaccines.
NEWSMAN investigations confirmed that the pneumonia vaccine which was available in the market for Rs 1200 a few weeks ago is being sold in Lahore for Rs 3400. Glaxosmith’s Synflorix ,25mg /0.5 is also not available at fixed price . Its being sold in local market at Rs 4416.05 . Pfizer’s Prevenor is being sold in some areas of Lahore at much , much higher price . Its being sold in some areas of Lahore at Rs 14000 which is 200 % extra price of the product. MSD is selling its pneomivax in black and fleecing those who badly need it to recover from pneumonia in Lahore .
Speaking to NEWSMAN , All Pakistan Pharmacist Lawyers Association President , Noor Mahar , said unavailability of pneumonia vaccines and the complaints of black marketing of the vaccines is highly deploring . He demanded that the Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP ) should move quick to ensure availability of pneumonia vaccines at fixed price.