The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has raised alarm over a severe shortage of essential medicines used to treat cardiac diseases and hepatitis, describing the situation as a “humanitarian crisis.” The issue has sparked widespread concern, particularly in Sindh and Punjab, where patients and healthcare providers are struggling to access life-saving drugs.

The PMA warned that the unavailability of these critical medicines is endangering lives, with delays in treatment increasing the risk of complications and fatalities. The crisis has hit underprivileged patients the hardest, exposing deep inequalities in access to healthcare across the country.

Healthcare professionals and affected individuals nationwide have voiced their frustration, urging immediate action. The PMA criticized the government for its inaction, calling for urgent measures to address the crisis. The association demanded a thorough investigation into the root causes of the shortages and proposed reforms to strengthen drug regulation and ensure a stable supply of essential medicines in the future.

In addition, the PMA emphasized the need for transparent procurement processes and equitable distribution of medicines to mitigate the crisis. “This negligence is intolerable. The government must act immediately to resolve the issue,” the association stated.