Pakistan could face shortages of life-saving medicines, vaccines and baby formula if the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States continues to disrupt international flights and supply chains.
According to a report by Express Tribune, the suspension of international flights has already affected imports of medicines, pharmaceutical raw materials and vaccines. Importers warn that prolonged disruptions could lead to serious shortages and sharp increases in drug prices.
Pakistan currently has pharmaceutical raw material stocks sufficient for about one and a half to two months.
Industry representatives say the country remains heavily dependent on imported inputs for medicine production, with around 55 percent to 60 percent of raw materials sourced from India and 40 percent to 45 percent from China.
Mohammad Atif Hanif Baloch said prices of life-saving medicines have already been rising unofficially and could surge further if the conflict continues. He warned that drugs used for cancer treatment, diabetes, insulin and heart disease could become significantly more expensive.
Healthcare experts also cautioned that Pakistan relies heavily on imports of baby formula and certain vaccines. Any prolonged disruption in supply routes through Gulf countries could create shortages and put additional pressure on the country’s healthcare system.