Pakistan is facing a potential $1.2 billion annual expenditure on vaccines by 2031 when crucial international financial support is set to end, a high-level inter-governmental meeting revealed on Tuesday.
In a bid to avert the looming fiscal crisis and achieve self-reliance, the government is pursuing urgent collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to establish indigenous vaccine manufacturing capabilities.
A high-level Saudi delegation, led by Eng. Nizar Alhariri, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, arrived in the capital for strategic talks focused on strengthening Pakistan”s capacity for local vaccine production.
During a meeting chaired by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, it was highlighted that Pakistan currently imports all 13 vaccines provided free of cost under its national immunisation programme, which serves a population of 240 million and approximately 6.2 million newborns each year.
The current yearly import cost stands at around USD 400 million. The Government of Pakistan finances 51 percent of this amount, with international partners covering the remaining 49 percent, which helps to reduce the immediate economic strain.
However, the Health Minister cautioned that this international assistance will cease after 2031. Without a domestic manufacturing alternative, the annual procurement cost is projected to triple, placing a significant burden on the national economy.
Mr. Kamal stated that, under the direction of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the Ministry of Health has initiated “war-footing measures” to fast-track the local manufacturing of vaccines for thirteen diseases to ensure long-term sustainability.
Officials from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) briefed the visiting delegation on existing regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and technical readiness for the joint venture.
Following the formal discussions, owners and representatives of leading Pakistani pharmaceutical companies also engaged with the Saudi delegation in a series of meetings facilitated by the Ministry of National Health Services.
The Saudi delegation acknowledged Pakistan”s vaccine manufacturing potential and its pharmaceutical industry”s performance. The members reaffirmed a commitment to working jointly with Pakistan to achieve self-reliance in the vaccine sector and meet their respective national requirements through mutual cooperation in the coming years.
The visit is seen as a major breakthrough in enhancing bilateral cooperation in the health sector, potentially serving as a model for regional partnership.