ISLAMABAD – Federal Cabinet was informed today that prices of drugs will bebrought down in consultation with all stakeholders.
Briefing media in Islamabad on Tuesday, Special Assistant to Prime Ministeron Information Firdous Ashiq Awan said Special Assistant to PM on NationalHealth Services Dr. Zafarullah Mirza briefed the cabinet on his findingsregarding increase in prices of drugs and said a meeting with pharmacompanies and other stakeholders will be held soon to bring down the pricesof medicines in the country.
She said the Cabinet meeting was told that additional amount charged bythese companies will be recovered by the government and submitted inPakistan Baitul Maal. This amount will be used to provide free treatment topoor patients of various diseases.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister said the cabinet was briefed oninflation and rising prices of essential items. The cabinet also decided tocheck on prices of essential items during the holy month of Ramazan andkeep an eye on hoarders and cartels.
She said the inflation during the last eight months of this government isstill less comparing with the same period of previous two governments.
Firdous Ashiq Awan said the Prime Minister directed all ministers tointroduce policies in public interest and improve their performance inorder to resolve the issues faced by public.
Firdous Ashiq Awan said the cabinet also discussed the LNG agreementssigned by previous government which were expensive and not in interest ofPakistan. She said the new LNG agreements will be transparent and based oncompetitive pricing.
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The cabinet endorsed the policies of Prime Minister Imran Khan and hisvision of democracy that is free from corruption and functions only toempower the common man and reduces their issues.
Referring to Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to China, Firdous Ashiq Awansaid a better Free Trade Agreement will be signed with China in order toprotect our local industry.
The Advisor on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood apprised the cabinet that 450Pakistani businessmen will visit China to look for business opportunitiesthat would translate into more production, job opportunities and povertyreduction in the country.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister said the cabinet members congratulatedthe Prime Minister on his successful visit to Iran which was extremelyimportant in present context.
She said we have to increase our trade with immediate neighbors to reap thebilateral benefits. She said the visit also proved successful in removingthe misunderstandings between the two brotherly countries.
