LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday directed the federal government to submit a report explaining the rationale behind its move to jack up prices of essential lifesaving drugs by up to 262pc.
Justice Sajid Mahmood Sethi was hearing a writ petition that requested the high court to declare the government’s September 22 decision of hiking rates of 94 essential medicines illegal.
The court directed the government to submit the report by next hearing on November 4.
Petitioner Advocate Azhar Siddique stated before the court that rates of essential lifesaving medicines have been increased by up to 262pc by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) in violation of the laws, which has added to the miseries of inflation-hit people.
He pleaded with the bench to declare the increase illegal.
On September 24, Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan had said that the recent hike in prices of 94 essential lifesaving drugs was ‘inevitable’ to ensure availability of the medicines.
