Swift work on local vaccine production project decided

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of National Health Services and Regulations has decided to accelerate work on the local vaccine production project being carried out with the technical support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to enable Pakistan to move swiftly towards self-reliance in vaccine manufacturing.

In this connection a high-level meeting held here on Thursday under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Health Services Mustafa Kamal to review progress on Pakistan’s local vaccine production initiative and reforms aimed at modernizing the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) which was also attended by the Federal Secretary for Health, the CEO National Institute of Health (NIH), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), and representatives of the ADB.

During the meeting, Kamal emphasized that all regulatory, legal, and technical requirements should be completed promptly to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative.

ADB representatives briefed participants on the progress of the Vaccine Development Project, including ongoing efforts to strengthen local vaccine manufacturing capacity in Pakistan. They also presented updates on the digitization and institutional reform of the PNMC. The ADB representative reaffirmed their commitment to continuing close collaboration with Pakistan. They expressed ADB’s continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s health sector and improving healthcare systems across the country.

The Minister reiterated that strengthening indigenous vaccine production is a strategic national priority that will enhance Pakistan’s health security and ensure a sustainable supply of life-saving vaccines. Kamal appreciated the Asian Development Bank’s longstanding partnership and valuable support, acknowledging its important contribution to advancing health sector reforms and improving healthcare outcomes in Pakistan.

Highlighting the importance of nursing sector reforms, Kamal directed that the PNMC be fully digitized and modernized in accordance with international standards to improve governance, transparency, and service delivery. The Minister further emphasized the need to take concrete measures to address the country’s growing demand for a skilled nursing and midwifery workforce by strengthening education, regulation, and professional development within the sector.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026