What is an API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient)?

An Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) is the main component that makes a drug effective. For example, in a pain relief tablet, the API is the chemical that actually relieves the pain. Currently, pharmaceutical companies often sell their drugs under brand names, which can be more expensive due to marketing and branding costs.

How Are Doctors and Medical Stores Exploiting Patients?

In Pakistan, many doctors and medical stores have exclusive deals with certain pharmaceutical brands. This means they often prescribe and sell only those brands, regardless of the cost to patients. These monopolistic practices force patients to buy expensive branded drugs when cheaper, equally effective alternatives (generics) are available. This hits poor and vulnerable people the hardest, making it difficult for them to afford the medications they need.

Who is affected?

Millions of people in Pakistan are directly affected by the high cost of medications, often driven by the dominance of branded drugs in the market. Patients, especially those with chronic illnesses, struggle to afford essential medicines, leading to poor health outcomes and increased financial strain.

What is at stake?

If we continue to allow pharmaceutical companies to sell drugs primarily by brand names, the cost of medications will remain high, and patients will continue to suffer. The monopoly of pharmaceutical brands and their partnerships with specific medical stores will keep hitting the poorest people the hardest. However, if we mandate that all pharmaceutical products be sold by their Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) names, it will lead to greater transparency, reduced costs, and better access to essential medications for all.

Why is now the time to act?

The need for affordable healthcare has never been more urgent. By acting now, we can ensure that everyone in Pakistan has access to necessary medications without the burden of inflated prices and monopolistic practices. This change will promote fair competition, lower drug costs, and ultimately save lives. Sign this petition to demand that pharmaceutical companies in Pakistan sell their products by API names and make healthcare more accessible for everyone.