A delegation from the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association (PPMA) met with Federal Health Minister Dr. Mustafa Kamal to discuss key industry challenges, including the fight against counterfeit medicines and boosting local vaccine production. The meeting was also attended by the Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and other senior officials.
During the discussions, participants reviewed progress on implementing 2D barcodes, a measure meant to eliminate counterfeit medicines from the market. Dr. Mustafa Kamal emphasized that robust action against fake medicines has become essential, citing the significant threats they pose to public health and the negative impact on the credibility of the pharmaceutical industry. He urged the industry to expedite the complete and effective rollout of the 2D barcode system.
The meeting also examined strategies for local vaccine production. Dr. Kamal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to domestic vaccine manufacturing, advocating for an integrated roadmap to reduce reliance on imports and achieve self-sufficiency in this critical sector. He stressed that local production would strengthen the healthcare system and conserve valuable foreign exchange reserves.
Additionally, Dr. Kamal directed the pharmaceutical sector and DRAP to ensure all necessary steps are taken to increase pharmaceutical exports. The PPMA delegation, in turn, praised recent reforms initiated under the health minister’s leadership at DRAP, noting that the digitization of medical devices has greatly facilitated business operations.
