Are you suffering from pain? But where is the pain killer?

There is a lot of question going on the internet about the paracetamol shortage in Pakistan, and people are looking for other alternatives for panadol. So in this article, we will talk about the reason for Panadol shortage in Pakistan and the other alternatives. 

Most people have heard of paracetamol or acetaminophen. Perhaps you have even taken it from time to time yourself when you've had a headache or felt tired. If so, you are probably aware that Pakistan has a significant shortage of this drug. Most pharmacies report that they either can't get their hands on the drug at all or can only find a minimal amount on certain days of the week.

This is becoming a real problem for many people because they don't have access to painkillers when needed, and this could become more of an issue as winter approaches and winter temperatures steadily increase – leading to more health problems. 

Why is Pakistan running short of Panadol?

The pandemic has badly affected the manufacturing sector of Pakistan, leading to a shortage of painkillers, including Panadol, Febrol, and Calpol, which has caused panic among the general public. 

The government's decision to impose a 17% General Sales Tax (GST) on the import of the raw salt used to make these medications in January of this year is said to have impacted the supply of these pills, according to the associations of chemists and manufacturers.

The price of paracetamol's raw materials, which has surged by 500% on the global market, is another factor contributing to the shortage. As a result, pharmaceutical businesses have ceased production.

What are the alternatives to panadol?

Other types of over-the-counter painillers that are accessible in pharmacies include:

1. Paracetamol, Calpol and Febrol
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ibuprofen
3. Aspirin

We all know that paracetamol is effective in reducing mild or moderate pain. So an entire country's population is going through the paracetamol shortage; thankfully, there are some effective alternatives for you to consider.

The government of Pakistan must look into the matter, find an answer to this shortage, and take swift action so it doesn't happen again.