Pakistan advances ‘Pharma Park’ initiative to enhance local medicine production and access

Pakistan’s interim Health Minister, Dr. Nadeem Jan, revealed plans to establish a ‘Pharma Park’ in the country to encourage local production of pharmaceutical molecules instead of relying on imports. The initiative aims to reduce the strain on foreign exchange reserves and enhance the local industry’s capacity while potentially lowering medicine prices. Negotiations with stakeholders and friendly countries have commenced to facilitate technology transfer and ensure quality control and affordability of medicines. The ‘Pharma Park’ initiative seeks to encourage companies to establish industrial units in Pakistan, promoting joint ventures and public-private partnerships. The precise location is yet to be finalised, but the minister expressed interest in allocating a spot in the federal capital. Additionally, Dr. Jan emphasised vaccine equity for low and middle-income countries and discussed collaboration in the health sector with the British High Commissioner.

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