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Pakistan Finalizes National Vaccine Policy for PM Review

Officials say the plan aims to build domestic vaccine manufacturing to cut imports, strengthening national health security.

Overview

  • The policy briefing has been completed, with presentation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expected in the coming days.
  • A high-level meeting in Islamabad was chaired by SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan and co-chaired by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, with DRAP and health ministry officials in attendance.
  • Officials said the policy seeks to initiate local vaccine production, reduce reliance on imports, and develop sustainable industrial capacity.
  • According to draft-policy reporting by the Express Tribune, a state-anchored National Vaccine Fund is proposed to provide patient, risk-sharing capital, potentially drawing federal, DFI, and private co-investment.
  • Draft measures reported include long-term and buy-back procurement contracts, expedited regulatory approvals, greenfield power-tariff classification, and allowing approved manufacturers to retain up to 35% of export proceeds in dollars.