Health minister directs end to reliance on Indian pharma

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ISLAMABAD: Calling India a “incredible enemy”, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has directed Pakistan’s health institutions, pharmaceutical regulators, and industry stakeholders to eliminate all dependence on Indian medicines, vaccines and pharmaceutical components.

He warned that relying on India amid regional tensions is a threat to national security and it has called for immediate diversity in supply chain and an extension of local manufacturing capacity.

The Minister said during a high -level emergency meeting held at the National Institute of Health (NIH) on Thursday, “India is not a trusted partner, especially when the lives of our citizens are at stake. We will not threaten our health care system because of our opponent.”

The emergency meeting was summoned to assess national preparations in the event of an emergency of public health, which creates a geographical political situation.

It was attended by senior officials, including Director General Health, Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), Head of Federal Hospitals, Representative of Islamabad Health Regulatory Authority, and Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Mustafa Kamal instructed the drop to ensure uninterrupted availability of life -saving drugs and vaccines and emphasized the immediate source of sourcing from local or alternative international markets instead of India. He also directed NIH to increase domestic vaccine production faster. He emphasized that there should be no obstacle to normal or emergency services in federal hospitals. He directed the provincial health departments to allocate excess beds and ensure the essential of the essential drug and blood supply reserves for the preparation of any emergency.

The polyclinic hospital was asked to make special arrangements for the treatment of burn patients in case of mass casualties, and the minister emphasized that the medical needs of the armed forces should be resolved on a priority basis.

One of the main results of the meeting was the establishment of a National Health Emergency Center in NIH.

The center will work 24/7, which will maintain real timely harmony with provincial departments, hospitals, and related stakeholders to monitor the progress and enable the speedy response.

Kamal assured that “timely and accurate information exchange is important during a crisis. The Ministry of Health is monitoring this situation and will take every possible step to ensure public health safety.”

According to the Minister’s instructions, DRAP has issued a consultation to the pharmaceutical manufacturers, which includes the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA), Pharma Bureau, and the Pakistan Chemists and Drugs Association (PCDA).

Advisory drug manufacturers urges them to adopt an active strategy to maintain a permanent supply of registered medicines. Recognizing the risks posed by the global supply chain barriers, trade sanctions, and emergency health conditions, Drip emphasized that manufacturers should reduce dependence on the only sources of raw materials-especially those imported from India, such as active pharmaceuticals, and active pharmaceuticals.

Manufacturers have been advised to establish numerous sources for APIS and critical inputs to reduce dependence. They are also encouraged to evaluate the routine of the reliability and risk of their suppliers and prepare emergency souring projects accordingly.

In addition, Drape recommends maintaining buffer stocks of raw materials and finished products to absorb potential delays or barriers. The demand for demand was also highlighted as a priority to improve the supply chain exposure and rapidly respond to shortage, storage, or black market activity.

The regulatory body noted, “These steps are essential for providing a flexible pharmaceutical that ensures safe, effective and uninterrupted access to the Pakistani population.”

The DRAP also reaffirmed its commitment to provide technical support and regulatory guidance to help the pharmaceutical industry in this transfer.