ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet has granted in-principle approval to the draft “National Policy for Advancing Indigenous Vaccine Production,” declaring locally manufactured vaccines as regulated items, well-informed sources told Business Recorder.
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MoNHSR&C) briefed the Cabinet that vaccines are a critical component of therapeutic goods and a cornerstone of preventive healthcare, playing a vital role in Pakistan’s immunisation programme. The Ministry underscored that ensuring vaccine availability is essential for national health security, economic stability and public health sovereignty.
The Cabinet was informed that Pakistan currently relies heavily on imported vaccines, with annual expenditure estimated at around USD 340 million, which is projected to surge to nearly USD 1.2 billion by 2030.
READ MORE: Pakistan finalises ‘National Vaccine Policy’
The Ministry warned that the country’s growing birth control, expansion of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), and introduction of new vaccines such as HPV would further intensify financial and supply chain pressures.
Highlighting ongoing efforts, MoNHSR&C noted that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has been working since April 2025 on vaccine indigenisation in collaboration with international partners and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Additionally, a Prime Ministerial committee was constituted in September 2025 to evaluate local production feasibility and recommend incentives.
The draft policy, formulated after extensive consultations with stakeholders, proposes a comprehensive, phased and time-bound framework to establish a sustainable indigenous vaccine ecosystem. It covers the entire value chain—from development to manufacturing—and identifies key priorities including the establishment of a National Vaccine Alliance, regulatory strengthening, localisation of production, EPI enhancement, biotech manufacturing, and climate-resilient standards.
The policy also outlines short, medium and long-term actions, including fiscal incentives, regulatory streamlining, trade facilitation, government buy-back guarantees and industrial support.
The Ministry emphasised that the policy would reduce dependence on donor-supported procurement mechanisms such as Gavi, whose support is expected to phase out after 2030. It would also help conserve foreign exchange, mitigate global supply disruptions, and enhance preparedness for future pandemics.
During deliberations, Cabinet members appreciated the initiative but stressed the need for a clear costing and pricing mechanism for the proposed National Vaccine Alliance.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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