Vaccines Price Hike: The government has approved the increase in the prices of some important vaccines given to children. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) decided to revise the prices of these vaccines in its 147th meeting. These include BCG, Measles and MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccines. These three vaccines are considered an essential part of the national vaccination program to protect children from serious and deadly diseases.

In such a situation, the concern of parents has increased due to increase in their prices. Experts say that parents do not need to worry about changes in prices. In such a situation, let us know why this decision was taken and what effect it can have on people.

Which vaccine prices increased?

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has approved the amendment in the ceiling price of BCG, Measles and MR vaccines. BCG vaccine is given to children after birth to protect them from serious diseases like TB. Whereas measles and MR vaccines protect children from measles and rubella infections, which can sometimes cause serious complications.

Why are these vaccines important for children?

1.BCG Vaccine – This vaccine helps in protecting the new born baby from severe forms of TB. It is applied immediately after birth or in the initial days.

2. Measles Vaccine – Measles is a highly contagious disease, which can cause high fever, rash, pneumonia and sometimes even mental health problems. In such a situation, timely vaccination keeps children safe from this.

3. MR (Measles- Rubella) Vaccine – This vaccine protects against measles as well as rubella. Rubella infection in pregnant women can cause serious problems in the child born. Therefore its vaccination is considered very important.

Why were the prices increased?

According to NPPA, the number of companies producing these vaccines is limited and due to increasing costs, it was becoming challenging to maintain their manufacturing and supply. In such a situation, if the prices are not revised, their availability could be affected in future. The authority says that the purpose of increasing the price is not to benefit the companies, but to ensure that the supply of essential vaccines in the country is not disrupted and the vaccination of children is not affected.

Two important cancer medicines also became expensive

Apart from children’s vaccine, NPPA has also approved increase by 50 percent in the ceiling price of two essential chemotherapy drugs Carboplatin and Cisplatin used in the treatment of cancer. According to the authority, this decision has been taken in view of the increase in the prices of raw materials and the possibility of supply being affected. There were continuous fluctuations and increases in the prices of raw materials i.e. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) used in the manufacturing of cancer medicines.

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Anti-tetanus injection also became expensive

The prices of anti-tetanus immunoglobulin injections have also been increased by 50 percent. The companies manufacturing these injections of 250 IU and 500 IU capacity were saying for a long time that due to the increasing cost, it is becoming difficult for them to produce them.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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The war breaking out in the Middle East is affecting the neighboring country Pakistan. After the increase in the prices of LPG, petrol and diesel, now the prices of medicines have also been increased significantly. According to local media reports, the prices of medicines have been increased by 50 percent to 500 percent in Bohor market, the pharmaceutical hub (major center of medicines) in Rawalpindi.

According to the report of Pakistani newspaper ‘The Express Tribune’, the price of insulin injection device in the market has increased from 2200 Pakistani rupees to 4720 rupees. This is affecting the poor class, who seem unable to buy expensive medicines.

Prices of life saving medicines increased

In this report of Sunday (30 March) it was said that the price of Vitamin B supplements has increased from 500 to 600 Pakistani rupees. Similarly, the price of a packet of acidity medicine has increased from Rs 530 to Rs 620. The price of a pack of nutritional supplements and vitamin tablets has increased from Rs 480 to Rs 510. The price of thyroid medicine has increased from 85 PKR to 290 PKR. At the same time, the price of common treatment of typhoid has increased from Rs 805 to Rs 930. The prices of many other life-saving medicines have also increased.

LPG prices increase

Due to the ongoing war in West Asia, the average price of LPG in Pakistan has increased from Rs 3150-3,968 to Rs 3900-5135 for an 11.67 kg cylinder. Citing the data of ‘Sensitive Price Index’ (SPI) released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on March 26, another well-known newspaper of Pakistan ‘Dawn’ reported that the highest increase in prices has been recorded in the cities of Punjab province.

Fares for private vehicles increased

According to reports, as gas prices are increasing, the fare of private vehicles running on LPG has also increased. This is putting additional burden on low and middle income passengers who depend on LPG-run rickshaws, buses and minibuses. Amidst the increase in global prices of LPG due to the Middle East war, the supply of gas from Iran has also decreased. Earlier, 10,000 to 12,000 tonnes of gas was supplied daily from Iran, which has now reduced.

According to M. Ali Haider, convener of the standing committee on LPG of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, three ships carrying about 20,000 tonnes of imported LPG reached Pakistan in the month of March.