Bangladesh saline shortages deepen as manufacturers cut production

Patients in Bangladesh are struggling to find intravenous (IV) saline as manufacturers cut production, citing rising costs and retail prices unchanged since 2015, The Business Standard reported Monday.

Producers said a bag costs around Tk120 (approximately $0.97) to make but has a regulated retail price of Tk87 (approximately $0.71). A price-revision proposal has been pending for nearly three months.

Manufacturers estimate monthly demand has doubled to 8 million to 9 million bags during dengue outbreaks, while supplies meet about one-third of demand.

Libra Infusions has shut down, and Square Pharmaceuticals has suspended saline production. Other producers have reduced output. Beximco Pharma said it had resumed supplying 500-milliliter packs.

The Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) said a health ministry committee was reviewing the pricing proposal. No revised price has been approved.