ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Health has taken a significant step toward reducing Pakistan’s reliance on imported vaccines by initiating work on the country’s first local vaccine policy in collaboration with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
Efforts to formulate this policy are currently underway, with the federal government focusing on enhancing the nation’s domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity. Supported by DRAP, the policy will be submitted to the federal cabinet for final approval.
Once sanctioned, this policy is set to establish a comprehensive framework for vaccine production within the country, marking a pivotal shift toward self-reliance. It outlines a five-year plan to locally produce 13 vaccines that are presently imported from countries such as China, Europe, and Indonesia.
The strategy intends to facilitate growth for local manufacturers by providing regulatory clarity and setting well-defined, long-term production targets.
Currently, Pakistan allocates millions of dollars annually to purchase vaccines for its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), with these costs projected to escalate sharply over time. Without boosting domestic production, annual vaccine import expenses could surpass one billion dollars by 2030.
Health authorities estimate that ramping up local vaccine production could save approximately one billion dollars in foreign exchange. This shift is also expected to enhance supply chain security and fortify the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
This initiative aligns with the broader government agenda aimed at fostering self-sufficiency in critical healthcare sectors.
