Dhaka is facing a growing shortage of intravenous (IV) saline, with pharmacies across several parts of the capital struggling to meet demand as dengue cases continue to rise.
Customers visiting pharmacies in areas including Mirpur, Farmgate and surrounding neighbourhoods are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase essential saline supplies. While some shops still have 100ml or 250ml bags, larger 500ml and one-litre packs are becoming increasingly scarce. In some pharmacies, all sizes are unavailable.
Pharmacy owners say pharmaceutical companies are failing to supply products according to demand. Some retailers report receiving only one carton after ordering ten, while others receive just half of the quantities they request.
The shortage is creating serious difficulties for patients and their families, particularly those dealing with dengue-related complications.
Hasnat Piyas, a resident of Savar, experienced the problem firsthand when his aunt was diagnosed with dengue. After doctors recommended hospital admission, the family initially struggled to find a hospital bed and was advised to arrange saline at home temporarily.
However, finding IV saline proved difficult. Piyas said he spent nearly two hours visiting different pharmacies before finally managing to arrange a one-litre bag through a local pharmacy contact.
Pharmacy retailers believe the rising number of dengue patients has significantly increased demand, while hospitals are receiving priority in the available supply.
According to manufacturers, monthly demand for IV saline has nearly doubled, increasing from approximately four to 4.5 million bags to between eight and nine million bags. However, current production and supply reportedly meet only around one-third of the total demand.
Rising production costs are another major factor behind the shortage. Manufacturers say the government-approved retail price has remained unchanged since 2015, despite significant increases in the costs of imported raw materials, packaging and other production expenses.
According to industry sources, producing a bag of saline now costs approximately Tk 120, while the government-approved maximum retail price is Tk 87.
Financial losses have reportedly forced several established pharmaceutical companies to suspend or reduce production. Libra Infusions has shut down its factory, while Square Pharmaceuticals has suspended production. Beximco has also halted some production activities. Other manufacturers, including Opsonin, OSL Pharma, Essential Drugs and Popular Pharma, have reportedly reduced output.
Meanwhile, companies such as Incepta, Healthcare, ACME and ACI are reportedly reluctant to expand production in the sector under the current pricing structure.
The proposed revision of saline prices has reportedly remained pending at the Ministry of Health for nearly three months. The Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) says it has already reviewed the proposal and forwarded it to the ministry for consideration.
DGDA Director and spokesperson Dr. Md. Akhtar Hossain said the ministry’s relevant committee is reviewing the matter and a decision will be taken following its meeting.
With dengue-related demand continuing to put pressure on supplies, patients and their families are increasingly concerned about access to this essential medical product. Manufacturers warn that unless prices are adjusted to reflect production costs, restoring a stable supply may remain difficult.
Reporting by Admin for The Borderless Journal. Filed under Uncategorized · 01 Nov 2026, 17:00.
