Minister Kamal considers this approval a major step in strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare system
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal. Photo:X
Federal Minister for National Health Syed Mustafa Kamal on Wednesday announced that the federal cabinet has approved Pakistan’s first-ever national immunization policy, paving the way for local production of vaccines in the country.
The approval was given at a federal cabinet meeting held in Islamabad, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister termed this development as a major step in strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare system. He noted that the country so far lacked a comprehensive national vaccine policy, adding that the newly approved framework was developed following extensive consultations with key stakeholders to ensure a robust and sustainable approach.
Kamal highlighted the role of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, Minister of State for Health Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath and Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) in shaping the policy.
He stressed that the creation of local vaccine production capacity had become essential for the country, describing this initiative as an important step towards self-sufficiency in the health sector.
The federal cabinet also approved the formation of a special committee under the supervision of DRAP to determine vaccine prices and ensure quality standards.
The policy aims to reduce dependence on imported vaccines, conserve foreign exchange and make Pakistan self-sufficient in vaccine production.
Pakistan, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, has, over the past five decades, provided life-saving vaccines to 160 million children and 130 million mothers.
Earlier this year, Kate O’Brien, head of vaccines at the World Health Organization, said vaccines had saved 154 million lives worldwide over the past 50 years, noting that more than 30 diseases could be prevented through vaccination.
