Published on, Aug. 30 -- August 30, 2025 1:05 AM

The country is facing a dangerous health crisis. The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has warned that there is an "unprecedented" shortage of essential medicines across the country. At least 80 critical drugs are unavailable, and 25 of them have no substitutes. These include life-saving medicines for diabetes, cancer, heart disease, psychiatric illnesses, and other serious conditions.

The medicine crisis is a test of leadership. Pakistan's health system cannot afford delay or excuses; it needs urgent, decisive action to save lives. This is not a small inconvenience; it is a matter of life and death for millions. Patients with chronic illnesses are already showing severe complications. ...