Medical equipment prices surge in Karachi

KARACHI:  Rising inflation is now affecting the prices of medical and surgical equipment. Many healthcare products have become more expensive over the past eight months compared with the beginning of 2026.

Traders in Karachi’s surgical market say higher shipping charges and increased import costs are the main reasons behind the price hikes.

Surgical market president Nasir Khan Tanoli said shipping rates have increased sharply.  A container that previously cost around $1,200 to $1,500 to book now costs nearly $3,000.

According to traders a blood pressure machine that cost Rs4,000 at the start of the year now sells for Rs4,800.  Blood sugar testing machines have increased from Rs2,000 to Rs2,400, while nebulizers have risen from Rs3,000 to Rs3,400.

Other medical products have also seen price increases. Oxygen generators now cost around Rs74,000, up from Rs65,000, while ECG machines have risen from Rs100,000 to Rs115,000.

Wheelchairs have increased from Rs12,000 to Rs13,000, walkers from Rs3,800 to Rs4,300, and medical beds from Rs60,000 to Rs70,000. Surgical instruments have also become around 15% more expensive.

Ultrasound machines have seen one of the biggest increases with prices rising by about 20%. A machine that previously cost Rs200,000 now sells for around Rs230,000.

Traders say higher business and shipping costs are making it difficult to keep prices low. Citizens meanwhile say medical equipment is a basic need that cannot simply be avoided because of rising prices.

One buyer said he expected to find a blood pressure machine for Rs1,000 to Rs2,000 but could not find one for less than Rs4,000.

Citizens have urged the government to take notice of the rising prices and help reduce the costs of imported medical equipment.