Roche Pakistan’s initiative for cost-sharing medicines represents a significant milestone in the journey towards equitable healthcare access in Pakistan. By partnering with stakeholders and leveraging its expertise, Roche is playing a vital role in improving the lives of patients in need. As we move forward, let us continue to support initiatives that prioritize the well-being of individuals and ensure that healthcare remains a fundamental right for all.
This initiative underscores Roche’s unwavering commitment to social responsibility and healthcare equity. By leveraging its resources and expertise, Roche is not only advancing medical innovation but also addressing the pressing healthcare challenges faced by underserved communities. The cost-sharing agreement is a testament to Roche’s dedication to making healthcare more inclusive and accessible for all, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The recent agreement for cost-sharing medicines between Roche Pakistan and Balochistan represents a pioneering collaboration that will have a direct impact on poor patients requiring treatment for cancer and infectious diseases. With 56 percent of the cost covered by Roche Pakistan and 44 percent by Balochistan, these lifesaving medicines will now be accessible to those in need, free of charge.
Roche acknowledges the stark inequities in healthcare access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan. The exorbitant costs associated with treatments for non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and rare diseases, pose a significant barrier to care for many patients. Recognizing this critical issue, Roche launched the Patient Support Program, UNMOL, in 2017. UNMOL, meaning ‘precious’ in Urdu, embodies Roche’s commitment to improving access to healthcare for disadvantaged individuals. Through partnerships and public funding programs, UNMOL provides a sustainable financial solution for patients in need of treatment. By offering free medicines and cost-sharing initiatives, Roche aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients and ensure that no one is deprived of essential medical care due to financial constraints.
Roche’s legacy in the Indian subcontinent dates back to before Partition, with the availability of its products in the region. Following the emergence of Pakistan, Roche continued its imports and eventually established local manufacturing in Karachi in 1987. Over the years, Roche Pakistan has evolved into a leading provider of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics, with a strategic focus on biotechnology medicines for cancer, hematology, and rare diseases.
The decision to divest traditional pharmaceutical business and focus on biotechnology medicines reflects Roche’s commitment to advancing healthcare in Pakistan. By leveraging its expertise in genetic sciences and innovative therapies, Roche is dedicated to developing tailored healthcare solutions that address the diverse needs of patients. From screening for genetic risk factors to monitoring treatment responses, Roche’s products and services span the entire healthcare spectrum.
For over a century, Roche has been at the forefront of the healthcare industry, pioneering innovative solutions and transformative medicines for patients worldwide. In a historic move, an agreement has been reached for the supply of medicines under cost-sharing for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases in Pakistan. This initiative, spearheaded by Roche Pakistan, marks a significant step towards providing much-needed support to poor patients in need of expensive treatments.
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