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ISLAMABAD, Feb 02 (APP):Pakistan is rapidly advancing towards self-reliance in the health sector, with significant progress being made in the area of local vaccine manufacturing, said the Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Health Services.
In a major step towards realizing the national vision of self-sufficiency in vaccine production, an eleven-member high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is arriving in Pakistan today. The visit marks a critical milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation in health, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and industrial collaboration.
The Spokesperson stated that this development is the result of sustained efforts over the past seven months by Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal. It is pertinent to note that the Federal Health Minister has so far held three meetings with his Saudi counterpart, during which detailed discussions were held on local vaccine manufacturing, investment opportunities, and technical cooperation.
In addition, the Federal Minister for Health has also held a meeting with the Saudi Minister of Industry, focusing on vaccine manufacturing, the pharmaceutical sector, and broader industrial partnerships. As a result of these engagements, focal persons were formally designated by both sides to ensure effective coordination and follow-up.
From Pakistan’s side, Dr. Obaid, Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), was appointed as the focal person. From the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Nizar Y. Al-Hariri, Senior Advisor to the Saudi Minister of Industry, was nominated as the focal person. In continuation of this process, the CEO DRAP has held six detailed meetings with the Saudi Ministry of Industry’s advisor to advance technical and operational discussions.
The visit of the high-level Saudi delegation is expected to prove a decisive step towards giving practical shape to the process of local vaccine manufacturing in Pakistan, said Federal Minister for Health, Mustafa Kamal.
He reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to establishing local vaccine production facilities, stating that domestic manufacturing will not only meet Pakistan’s national immunization needs but will also enable surplus production for export, thereby contributing to economic growth and national stability.
Ensuring the availability of safe, high-quality vaccines for the public remains the government’s top priority, the Federal Health Minister emphasized.