Health & Food
Saline shortages expose strain between regulated prices and production costs
Patients are struggling to obtain intravenous saline as manufacturers report reduced production and higher input costs. Industry representatives say producing a bag can cost around Tk120 against a regulated Tk87 retail price. A price-review proposal remains with the health ministry.
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From 13 October 2026 — Daily Brief
Patients are struggling to find intravenous saline as manufacturers cut production amid rising costs and increased demand during disease outbreaks, The Business Standard reported on 12 October.
Industry representatives said producing a bag could cost around Tk120 against a regulated retail price of Tk87. These are manufacturers’ cost claims, not an independently established cost for every product or producer.
The report described pharmacy shortages and reduced output at several companies. Manufacturers estimated that demand had roughly doubled during the dengue surge, while supply was meeting only part of the requirement.
The Directorate General of Drug Administration said it had reviewed a price-revision proposal and forwarded it to the health ministry. The relevant committee was still examining the matter.
A price decision had not been announced. Producers also described shortages of capital, imported inputs and skilled staff, meaning a price change alone would not necessarily restore supply immediately. Intravenous fluids require clinical assessment and monitoring, rather than routine self-administration.