ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The government has said that it is moving closer to manufacturing vaccines domestically.
According to spokesperson of the Ministry of National Health Services of Pakistan, a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia arrives in the country to explore cooperation in health and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
An 11-member high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia arrived in Pakistan on Monday. The visit marks a critical milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation in health, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and industrial collaboration, according to the Ministry.
The Spokesperson further said that the recent talks follow several months of engagement between the two nations.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Health held three meetings with his Saudi counterpart, focusing on local vaccine manufacturing, investment opportunities and knowledge sharing.
He also met with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry to discuss pharmaceutical production and broader industrial partnerships.
As part of the coordination process, both sides have appointed focal persons. Pakistan nominated Dr Obaid, Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), while Saudi Arabia appointed Nizar Y Al-Hariri, senior adviser to the Saudi Minister of Industry.
Officials said the CEO DRAP has held six detailed meetings with the Saudi Ministry of Industry’s advisor to advance technical and operational discussions.
Provision of high-quality vaccines government’s top priority
Minister for health said the Saudi delegation’s arrival marked a “decisive step” towards translating plans for local vaccine manufacturing in Pakistan into practical outcomes.
He emphasized that high-quality vaccines for the public remains the government’s top priority.
