Pakistan’s drug regulator has issued an advisory warning that ongoing tensions involving Iran could disrupt the global supply of medicines and affect availability in the country.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) directed pharmaceutical companies to reduce reliance on a single supplier for raw materials used in medicines.

According to the advisory, companies have been instructed to adopt multiple sources for raw materials and packaging materials.

They have also been asked to maintain adequate buffer stocks of raw materials and finished medicines.

The regulator said additional stock should be kept to deal with possible delays in shipping or other unforeseen circumstances.

Pharmaceutical companies were further directed to regularly assess potential supply risks, prepare alternative plans, monitor the movement of products, and accurately estimate future demand.

DRAP also instructed companies to continue supplying medicines to government institutions on a priority basis.

The authority said effective monitoring will be carried out to prevent hoarding, black marketing and artificial shortages.

Federal and provincial governments have also been directed to ensure full implementation of the instructions.