A delegation of the Pakistan Pharma Manufacturing Association met with Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, joined by the CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and other senior officials.
The meeting reviewed progress on implementing a 2D barcode system to curb counterfeit medicines and discussed strategies for local vaccine production. The minister stressed that Pakistan must move towards self-reliance in vaccine manufacturing to strengthen the health system and reduce dependency on imports, which would also save valuable foreign exchange.
He directed DRAP and the pharmaceutical industry to jointly prepare a coordinated roadmap for vaccine production, while also urging them to adopt measures aimed at boosting exports.
The pharma delegation welcomed reforms introduced under the minister’s leadership, noting that the digitisation of medical devices has simplified processes for the business community.
Separately, Board of Investment Secretary Capt (retd) Muhammad Mahmood also called on the minister. Their discussion focused on investment opportunities in healthcare, public-private partnerships, and facilities for local and foreign investors.
