Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has directed the National Research Institute for Fertility Care (NRIFC), the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) and the Border Health Services to submit a five-year development plan outlining their current status and future objectives.
During his visit to the NRIFC in Karachi, Kamal was briefed by the heads of the three institutions on their operations, challenges and future strategies.
He instructed them to provide a detailed written report on the issues they face, and propose solutions. Emphasising long-term planning, he said: “We must determine where we stand today, and where we aim to be in the next five years.”
Drap’s Central Drug Testing Laboratory (CDTL) Director Dr Saifur Rehman Khattak briefed Kamal on the performance of Drap’s field office and the CDTL in Karachi.
Dr Khattak highlighted that the CDTL has been upgraded to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, and is expected to receive WHO pre-qualification within the next three months. He said that this would make it the first government laboratory in Pakistan to achieve this recognition.
Kamal stressed the importance of further enhancing the laboratory’s capabilities, and accelerating efforts to align it with international standards. He ordered upgrading the existing facilities, and submitting a comprehensive five-year development plan.
Focusing on strengthening Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry, Kamal underscored the need to increase exports, and support local drug manufacturing. He ordered ensuring compliance with international quality standards to attract foreign pharmaceutical investments.
“We’ll provide every possible support to the local pharmaceutical industry to ensure that high-quality medicines are produced within the country, and made available to the public,” he said. By adopting global standards, he added, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector can secure a stronger position in the international market.
Kamal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing healthcare facilities, and ensuring public access to the most advanced medical services. “Our decisions and actions have a direct impact on human lives, and we’ll make sure Pakistan’s healthcare system meets the highest standards.”