New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) Pakistan is currently experiencing a significant deficit in vital medications as the present turmoil in the Middle East hampers the import of pharmaceutical raw materials and other essential supplies, as reported by a recent study.

The available inventory of pharmaceutical raw materials in the neighboring country is projected to last for merely about 45 days, as highlighted in The Express Tribune.

The escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has resulted in the halting of numerous international flights, which in turn is impeding Pakistan's capability to acquire life-saving medications, pharmaceutical components, and infant formula.

The report warns that this situation could have dire implications for ordinary citizens in Pakistan, who are already facing high levels of inflation and costly healthcare.

Individuals suffering from chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart ailments may be particularly at risk if these shortages lead to price increases or restricted availability.

“Many of them rely on the public healthcare system in the country,” the report states.

Additionally, infant nutrition is at risk, given that baby formula is predominantly imported, and extended disruptions could significantly diminish supplies, according to the findings.

The report also underlines that Pakistan's reliance on imported pharmaceutical components has long raised concerns among health professionals.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, experts voiced apprehensions regarding the country’s limited capacity to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients locally and emphasized the risks associated with heavy reliance on inexpensive imports.

However, the report indicates that minimal progress has been made in bolstering local manufacturing capabilities, leaving the nation vulnerable to global supply interruptions.

The findings suggest that the current predicament illustrates the dangers of depending on short-term import solutions while neglecting domestic production development.

It calls upon the government to prioritize pharmaceutical self-sufficiency as a national security issue and recommends actions such as offering tax incentives for local production of raw materials, investing in pharmaceutical infrastructure, and establishing emergency stockpiling systems.

The report warns that without implementing these measures, prolonged disruptions in global supply chains could drastically limit access to life-saving medications for millions within the nation.