Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that the government aims to achieve self sufficiency in all vaccines, including polio, before 2030 and also plans to export them to neighboring countries in the region. In this regard, the government will extend full support to both public and private institutions. The country requires between 140 to 180 million doses of essential vaccines annually.
He said that it is necessary to develop this capacity; however, the country must first meet the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). He praised Dow University’s vaccine manufacturing capability as valuable and commendable. He expressed these views during the inauguration of the Regional Office of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) at Dow University’s Ojha Campus and while visiting the Dow Institute of Life Sciences and the Dow Institute for Advanced Biological and Animal Research.
On this occasion, Dow University Registrar Dr. Ashar Afaq, Executive Director of Dow Institute of Life Sciences Dr. Syed Izhar Hussain, Director of Dow Institute for Advanced Biological and Animal Research Dr. Talat Roomi, Nasir Mughal, Syed Khawar Mehdi, Dr. Qaiser Waheed, and others were also present.
During his visit on Friday morning, the Federal Minister first unveiled the plaque and cut the ribbon to formally inaugurate the PMDC Regional Office. Later, he visited the Dow Institute for Advanced Biological and Animal Research, where Director Dr. Talat Roomi welcomed him and showed him around the laboratory.
Syed Mustafa Kamal especially inspected the preparation of anti-venom sera and stated that WHO pre-qualification is essential to gradually address the vaccine shortage in the future. During his visit to the Dow Institute of Life Sciences, the Federal Minister said that in the future, to meet emerging challenges, the government will ensure full cooperation from both public and private institutions.
Dr. Syed Izhar Hussain informed that Dow University has the capability to produce all types of vaccines in ampoules and vials. He further stated that two additional machines are being imported to enhance production capacity in accordance with national needs. With government support, bulk import and technology transfer will not only meet domestic demand but also make exports possible. Work on WHO pre-qualification has already begun.
Syed Mustafa Kamal appreciated the Dow Institute of Life Sciences and emphasized the urgent need for action to reduce the financial burden of millions of dollars caused by vaccine imports on Pakistan’s economy.
