Key Takeaways
- Federal Minister for Health Services Mustafa Kamal chaired a meeting to expedite local vaccine production.
- ADB representatives briefed on progress and commitment to continued collaboration.
- PNMC reforms aimed at modernizing nursing and midwifery education and regulation.
The Ministry of National Health Services and Regulations has taken decisive action to accelerate the local vaccine production project, which is being supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The initiative aims to enhance Pakistan’s self-reliance in vaccine manufacturing and bolster health security.
A high-level meeting was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Health Services Mustafa Kamal. The meeting reviewed progress on Pakistan's local vaccine production initiative, as well as reforms aimed at modernizing the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC).
Kamal emphasized the importance of completing all regulatory, legal, and technical requirements promptly to ensure successful implementation. ADB representatives provided updates on the Vaccine Development Project, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen local vaccine manufacturing capacity in Pakistan.
The meeting also discussed digitization and institutional reforms within the PNMC. Kamal directed that the council be fully modernized according to international standards to improve governance, transparency, and service delivery.
ADB’s commitment to continued collaboration was reaffirmed by their representatives, who expressed ongoing support for initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan's health sector and improving healthcare systems across the country.
The Minister reiterated that indigenous vaccine production is a strategic national priority. He acknowledged ADB’s longstanding partnership and valuable support in advancing health sector reforms and enhancing healthcare outcomes.
Kamal also emphasized the need to address the growing demand for a skilled nursing and midwifery workforce by strengthening education, regulation, and professional development within the sector.
All regulatory, legal, and technical requirements should be completed promptly to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative.
Federal Minister for Health Services Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister for Health Services
ADB’s commitment to continuing close collaboration with Pakistan is reaffirmed. They expressed continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan's health sector and improving healthcare systems across the country.
ADB representative, ADB representative
