Pakistan drug shortage due to illegal exports

A major row is brewing in Pakistan over allegations that the illegal export of medicines is causing shortages of life-saving pharmaceutical  products in the country, which are locally priced far below those  prevailing in many African and Asian countries.

A senior corporate executive, who did not wish to be named, told the  Marketletter's local correspondent that it was widely believed many  commercial exporters buy the low priced medicines on the wholesale  market and export it to destinations where prices are much higher. The  executive added that, in December, it was reported that a Lahore  wholesaler illegally exported 1,600kg of medicines to Africa. The  customs authorities at Belgium's Zaventem airport impounded the  consignment.

A spokesman for the pharmaceutical industry has urged the government to  ensure drug inspectors at Pakistan's sea and airports should be more  vigilant in their efforts to put an end to this inhuman practice.