Concerns Rise Over Quality and Affordability of Medications in Afghanistan

Citizens and professionals in Afghanistan are raising serious concerns over the low quality of medications and the inability of these drugs to effectively treat illnesses. The high prices of medicines and the presence of expired products have sparked significant worry among the public.

Patients Concerned About Poor Quality of Medicines in Afghanistan

A group of patients and doctors in Afghanistan have expressed their alarm regarding the prevalence of substandard and expired medications, calling for stricter oversight on the import and storage of these products in the market. Despite the dependence of thousands of patients on available drugs, fears about the quality of most of these medicines continue to loom.

The public reports that, with rising medication costs, many drugs fail to provide the necessary effectiveness, and among them are low-quality or expired options. They believe this situation jeopardizes the health of patients, forcing some families to seek treatment in neighboring countries. Nafisa, a cancer patient in Kabul, stated, “There are no quality medicines available in Afghanistan, and the quality of medications from Pakistan is significantly better.”

Treatment Challenges: High Prices and Low Quality of Medications

Several doctors have also noted that the shortage of quality medicines complicates the treatment process for patients. One doctor remarked, “For certain illnesses, if the appropriate medication is unavailable, patients are compelled to seek help in another country. Investment in providing quality medicines is essential.” Additionally, an employee from a pharmaceutical importing company mentioned that inadequate storage conditions adversely affect the quality of medications.

He pointed out, “There are instances where medications lose their quality due to extreme heat or cold in warehouses.” Radio Azadi attempted to reach out to the Afghanistan Pharmaceutical Union for comments but received no response. Sharafat Zaman, a spokesman for the Ministry of Public Health, did not address these issues.

Ministry of Public Health: Inspections of Pharmacies Continue

Health experts believe that the quality of medicines is not solely dependent on their production but also significantly relies on oversight of the supply chain and the prevention of drugs entering through unofficial channels. They emphasize that enhancing market supervision can not only reduce health risks but also increase patients’ trust in the healthcare system.