Pakistan has finalised its National Vaccine Policy, moving closer to local vaccine manufacturing and reduced dependence on imports as part of a broader health security strategy.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on industries and production, Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired a high-level meeting on the local manufacturing of vaccines, marking a major step toward health security and industrial self-reliance in Pakistan. The meeting was co-chaired by Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Mr. Mustafa Kamal.
The meeting was attended by the Federal Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services, and the Chairman, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). Detailed deliberations were held on the formulation and implementation framework of the National Vaccine Policy.
It was announced that the briefing for the Prime Minister on the National Vaccine Policy has been finalized, and the policy is now fully prepared for approval.
Speaking on the occasion, Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that the National Vaccine Policy is complete and ready to be presented to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. He emphasized that, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision, the policy will initiate local vaccine manufacturing in Pakistan, ensuring sustainable capacity building in the health and industrial sectors.Pakistan Moves to Boost Local Vaccine Production
He further noted that the National Vaccine Policy will guarantee local production of vaccines, reduce reliance on imports, and serve as a milestone for Pakistan’s public health system and pharmaceutical industry. The policy, he added, will deliver long-term benefits for the public, including affordability, accessibility, and national preparedness against future health emergencies.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal termed the National Vaccine Policy a critical need of the time, stating that it will help end Pakistan’s dependence on external sources for essential vaccines. He assured that vaccine manufacturing under this policy will be carried out in accordance with international standards and global best practices.
The meeting concluded with the announcement that the National Vaccine Policy will be presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the coming days for approval and onward implementation.
