The perspectives of stakeholders on the National Medicine Policy of Pakistan: a qualitative study

The National Medicine Policy (NMP) is crucial for setting the direction of a country’s action plan to achieve targeted healthcare goals. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of different stakeholders regarding the current NMP of Pakistan. A qualitative study design was employed using purposive sampling to identify respondents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with regulators (n = 6), manufacturers (n = 8), healthcare professionals (n = 9), and academicians (n = 7) until saturation was reached. Interviews were conducted at convenient times and locations, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to thematic analysis. Most stakeholders demonstrated expertise in policy-making and understood the basic concepts, need, and importance of the NMP. Six key themes were identified: general understanding of the NMP, existing regulatory framework and NMP, essential medicines and the current healthcare system, comparison of NMP with international standards, focus of NMP for better provision of healthcare, and recommendations for an effective NMP for Pakistan. Stakeholders emphasized the need for policies to set Standard Operating Procedures and direction, and noted that some frameworks require revision. There was consensus that the availability of essential medicines needs improvement and that the current healthcare system requires revamping, as the National Essential Medicine List is not fully implemented. The study concludes that NMP is integral to a robust healthcare system. However, Pakistan lacks an effective NMP despite extensive efforts in recent years. This deficiency is attributed to scarce resources, lack of political will and ownership, and inadequate compliance with performance-based indicators.