Pakistan is experiencing a shortage of the Apidra insulin brand because its German manufacturer halted production for facility upgrades, the National Assembly learned.
Nelson Azeem, the Parliamentary Secretary for Health, stated that the shortage started in October following supply disruptions from Germany, though the product stayed available inside Pakistan until September.
Answering worries brought up by MNA Syeda Amna Batool, Azeem explained that the maker previously delivered 3,500 kits, but that figure fell to 1,000. He cautioned that availability might drop further while the company completes its year-long upgrade procedure.
He mentioned that the interruption impacts multiple areas like Asia, Australia, and Europe, noting that shipments will restart once global manufacturing and distribution go back to normal.
The health ministry requested distributors to source extra supplies, although Azeem admitted that getting the product will prove challenging while output stays paused.
Batool voiced worry regarding the cost and availability of substitute insulin brands. She pointed out that substitutes cost at least 20% higher and numerous patients struggle to reach doctors who can assist them in changing treatments.
On the other hand, Azeem insisted that alternative insulin brands featuring comparable dosages and mechanisms of action exist in Pakistan and function under medical advice.
Earlier in the week, the health ministry explained that Pakistan does not experience a countrywide insulin shortage, stating the supply problem applies solely to insulin glulisine, known as Apidra, made by Sanofi.
Sajid Shah, a health ministry spokesperson, stated that other rapid-acting insulin brands, such as NovoRapid from Novo Nordisk and Humalog from Eli Lilly, stay accessible across the country. Additional major insulin types remain obtainable nationwide as well.
