The federal cabinet has approved Pakistan’s first-ever National Vaccine Policy, marking a major step toward local vaccine production and strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
Federal Minister for National Health Syed Mustafa Kamal described the policy as a landmark development, noting that Pakistan previously lacked a comprehensive national framework for vaccines.
He said the policy was formulated through extensive consultations with key stakeholders to ensure a sustainable and effective approach.
Kamal acknowledged the contributions of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan, Minister of State for Health Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan in shaping the policy.
He emphasised that developing local vaccine manufacturing capacity is crucial for achieving self-reliance in the health sector.
The cabinet also approved the formation of a special committee under DRAP to regulate vaccine pricing 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 delivered life-saving vaccines to millions over the past five decades.
According to WHO data, vaccines have saved 154 million lives globally in the last 50 years and can prevent more than 30 diseases through immunisation.
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