Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal highlighted the government’s key initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare system, ranging from improving basic health facilities to advancing vaccine production.
According to the ministry on Wednesday, the minister shared these views during a meeting with World Bank Group Vice President for Human Development, Mamata Murthy, and a high-level delegation comprising senior World Bank officials, the Pakistan Country Director, regional representatives and health sector experts.
During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on the challenges facing Pakistan’s health sector and explored effective solutions to improve healthcare delivery across the country.
The World Bank delegation underscored the importance of strengthening primary healthcare, improving maternal and child health services, and addressing the issue of stunting. Discussions also covered ongoing health-sector programmes being implemented with World Bank support.
Briefing the delegation on the government’s priorities, the minister said his foremost objective was to transform Pakistan’s existing healthcare structure into a truly effective healthcare system. He noted that efforts were underway to strengthen primary healthcare through telemedicine and establish a robust referral system to reduce pressure on major hospitals.
“My top priority is to prevent people from getting sick,” the minister said, adding that special attention was being paid to preventive healthcare and public health protection measures.
Kamal also stressed the importance of local vaccine manufacturing, stating that domestic vaccine production was essential before 2030. He said significant progress had already been made in this area and revealed that discussions with Indonesia were advancing for the local production of vaccines targeting 13 diseases.
The minister further informed the delegation that Pakistan had formulated its first-ever national vaccine policy, describing it as a major step towards strengthening the country’s immunisation system.
The World Bank delegation appreciated the ongoing reforms and the minister’s vision for improving healthcare services. Murthy also invited Kamal to participate in the Universal Health Coverage Forum, scheduled to be held in December 2026.
She reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its health system and expand access to quality healthcare services.