Govt directs acceleration of local vaccine production, nursing council reforms

July 24, 2026 (MLN): The government moved to accelerate Pakistan's local vaccine production initiative and reforms to modernize the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC), directing that all regulatory, legal and technical requirements be completed on time to enable swift progress towards self-reliance in vaccine manufacturing.

The directives came as Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Mustafa Kamal chaired a meeting to review progress on the two initiatives.

The meeting was attended by the Federal Secretary for Health, the CEO Health, the CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), and representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), according to a press release issued.

ADB representatives briefed participants on the progress of the Vaccine Development Project, including efforts underway to strengthen local vaccine manufacturing capacity, and also presented updates on the digitisation and institutional reform of the PNMC.

Mustafa Kamal termed strengthening indigenous vaccine production a strategic national priority that would enhance Pakistan's health security and ensure a sustainable supply of life-saving vaccines.

He said comprehensive reforms were essential to strengthen the country's healthcare system, directing that the PNMC be fully digitised and modernised in line with international standards to improve governance, transparency and service delivery.

He further stressed the need for concrete measures to address the country's growing demand for a skilled nursing and midwifery workforce by strengthening education, regulation and professional development within the sector.

ADB representatives reaffirmed their commitment to close collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, expressing continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the country's health sector and improving healthcare systems nationwide.

The minister, in turn, acknowledged the ADB's longstanding partnership and support, calling it an important contribution to advancing health sector reforms and improving healthcare outcomes in Pakistan.

Copyright Mettis Link News