The government has initiated significant measures to strengthen Pakistan’s healthcare sector and achieve self-reliance in domestic pharmaceutical production.
Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi held a key meeting with stakeholders of the local pharmaceutical industry, during which he announced new decisions aimed at promoting local manufacturing, research, and biotechnology.
In the meeting, the minister conveyed the Prime Minister’s directive to enhance collaboration with domestic pharma companies. He said that under the PM’s guidance, instructions have been issued to relevant institutions to support and strengthen the local pharmaceutical industry, to achieve self-sufficiency in the health sector.
During the meeting, it was decided to enhance production capabilities and initiate the manufacturing of computer-controlled fermenters at the local level. A plan was also proposed to modernize research and development systems for the production of biochemicals, biopharmaceuticals, and bio-proteins.
According to Magsi, the government aims to reduce reliance on imports for medicine production by promoting a biotechnology-driven economy.
To meet the immediate needs of the pharmaceutical sector, a plan has been formulated to produce Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) locally, ensuring timely and quality drug availability.
The minister further stated that the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) has been instructed to directly coordinate with local pharma companies and arrange meetings with the Minister for Science and Technology to accelerate progress on practical challenges and sector requirements.
These government initiatives are aimed at addressing challenges in the healthcare sector while empowering and strengthening the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, making affordable and quality medicines available to the public at the domestic level.
