Key Takeaways
- Health authorities deny reports of a widespread insulin shortage in Pakistan.
- Only one brand, Apidra, is currently unavailable due to international supply constraints.
- Alternatives for the unavailable brand are readily available nationwide.
Health authorities in Pakistan have dismissed reports of a widespread insulin shortage, stating that only one brand, Apidra, is currently unavailable due to international supply constraints. The clarification was made in response to social media reports that suggested a shortage of insulin across the country.
In a statement, Sajid Shah, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, explained that while Apidra is unavailable, alternative rapid-acting analogues such as NovoRapid and Humalog are readily available nationwide. He noted that all other primary insulin classes remain fully accessible in Pakistan.
Shah emphasized that patients who have been prescribed Apidra should consult their healthcare providers before making any changes to their insulin regimen. He stated, 'Any transition to an alternative insulin formulation requires precise dose titration and tailored monitoring to maintain optimal glycaemic control.'
The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) had previously raised alarm over an unprecedented shortage of essential medicines in August 2025, warning that the crisis threatened the lives of millions of patients. According to the association, at least 80 important medicines were unavailable, with 25 having no substitutes. These included life-saving medications for diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart disease, and psychiatric disorders.
In March 2026, the PMA further cautioned about the severe shortage of essential paediatric tuberculosis and cancer medications, warning that the humanitarian crisis was worsening and calling for immediate intervention.
Health ministry and Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) officials maintained that the unavailability of one brand does not indicate a broader shortage. They assured that the market remains well-supplied with alternative insulin formulations, ensuring that patients can continue to receive the necessary treatment.
The spokesperson added, 'Insulin glulisine (Apidra, Sanofi) is currently unavailable due to international supply constraints. Alternate rapid-acting analogues within the same pharmacological class, specifically insulin aspart (NovoRapid, Novo Nordisk) and insulin lispro (Humalog, Eli Lilly), are readily available nationwide.'
The health authorities urged patients to remain calm and to seek guidance from their healthcare providers to ensure they continue to receive the appropriate treatment. They emphasized the importance of maintaining regular communication with healthcare professionals to manage any changes in insulin formulations.
Insulin glulisine (Apidra, Sanofi) is currently unavailable due to international supply constraints. Alternate rapid-acting analogues within the same pharmacological class, specifically insulin aspart (NovoRapid, Novo Nordisk) and insulin lispro (Humalog, Eli Lilly), are readily available nationwide.
Sajid Shah, Spokesperson, Ministry of Health
