Mehdi Pirsaheli, head of the Food and Drug Organization of the Islamic Republic, said that since the beginning of the year, the prices of two-thirds of medicines have increased in two stages.

According to him, the increase in the cost of raw materials, transportation, and production were among the factors behind rising drug prices.

Pirsaheli said that the shipping cost of some imported medicines, which previously was $3,000 by ship, has now risen to $30,000 for air freight. He added that the price increases are implemented to prevent losses for pharmaceutical factories.

The head of the Food and Drug Organization also said that the foreign currency allocation for medicines and medical equipment this year is $4.5 billion, and so far $1.3 billion in preferential currency has been paid in this sector.