Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has said that reforms in the Drug Regulatory Authority are being accelerated, and Pakistan will soon be capable of producing vaccines locally.
Mustafa Kamal visited DRAP, where a high level meeting was held under his chairmanship with the participation of senior health officials.
During the meeting, a detailed review was conducted on the implementation of 2D barcodes under the track and trace system, automation initiatives by DRAP, and the future course of action following the national vaccine policy. In addition, progress on a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia, global benchmarking for the national regulatory system, and institutional reforms at the provincial level was also discussed.
The Health Minister said that he would personally coordinate with provincial governments for the implementation of the World Health Organization’s global benchmarking system, while the upgradation of the National Control Laboratory for Biologicals and the ongoing recruitment process in DRAP were also reviewed.
Mustafa Kamal said that Pakistan is committed to producing vaccines locally, and for the first time a national vaccine policy has been approved, after which the country has gained the authority to manufacture vaccines. In the coming days, Pakistan will be able to produce vaccines on its own.
He further stated that positive results are emerging from ongoing reforms in DRAP, and the institution is being developed along modern lines in accordance with international standards. He directed that efforts be accelerated to achieve WHO Level 3 status for DRAP.
According to the Health Minister, following this progress, Pakistani medicines will gain access to markets in 150 countries, while currently medicines are being exported to 51 countries. This step will not only increase exports but also strengthen the national economy.
