The Pakistan Pharmaceuticals and Regulatory Authority (DRAP) has informed 15 pharmaceutical companies as the country struggles to address the shortage of paracetamol sold under the brand name Panadol. According to the details, DRAP asked these companies to explain why they were unable to meet market demand for acetaminophen despite a full mandate to increase production in the event of a nationwide shortage. He said the first peak in demand for paracetamol, on condition of anonymity, was recorded as the number of dengue virus cases in the country increased during the winter season. While demand was met to some extent during the dengue season, it became unusable as most were prescribed in mild to moderate cases as the country witnessed a resurgence of the coronavirus in the form of the Omicron variant.
Subsequent media reports have surfaced that acetaminophen is not available in pharmacies nationwide and is being traded at a crazy price on the black market.
