A leading multinational pharmaceutical company has stopped the production of its popular paracetamol brand Panadol creating a nationwide shortage.
The company, which has been demanding permission to increase Panadol price, says that production was no longer cost-effective.
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a medication used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain.
The widely used brand of paracetamol is in high demand in flood-hit areas where people face a number of diseases. In urban centers, too, the demand has peaked in recent days with a higher number of dengue cases being reported.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association of Pakistan says that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan had sent a summary to the health ministry recommending an increase of Re1 per tablet, but the federal cabinet rejected the summary.