Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, continued a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. He held a constructive meeting with the Minister of Health of Cuba, during which both sides discussed various areas of mutual interest in the health sector, according to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Health.
Minister Kamal expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Cuba for dispatching a humanitarian medical mission of 2,000 personnel to Pakistan in the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake, a gesture that continues to be remembered with appreciation.
During the meeting, both ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening primary and secondary healthcare systems. Minister Kamal praised Cuba's well-integrated and robust healthcare model, stating, "Cuba has established an exemplary system from which Pakistan can learn significantly—particularly in delivering care efficiently at the primary and secondary levels."
The Cuban Health Minister shared that under their integrated health system, 70–80% of patients receive care at the primary level, minimizing the need for hospital-based treatment. He described it as a successful model that could be adapted and beneficial for Pakistan.
Discussions also focused on enhancing collaboration in pharmaceutical production, vaccine development, and capacity building. Minister Kamal stressed the importance of establishing sustained and closer ties between the two countries to promote knowledge sharing and innovation.
The Cuban Minister invited Minister Kamal to visit Cuba to observe its healthcare system firsthand. The Federal Minister gratefully accepted the invitation and expressed his intention to visit in the near future.
Highlighting Pakistan’s growing immunization needs, Minister Kamal noted, "With a population of 240 million and 7 million newborns each year, Pakistan requires strong vaccine production capabilities." He affirmed Pakistan's commitment to enhancing local vaccine manufacturing and sought Cuba’s support in transferring relevant technology.
Minister Kamal also proposed expanding collaboration to include training opportunities for Pakistani students, doctors, and technical experts in Cuba. He welcomed Cuba's experience in vaccine development, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when the country successfully developed three vaccines and is currently working on eleven more.
Both ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation in vaccine and pharmaceutical production, promote scientific and academic exchanges, and maintain regular high-level contact. They concluded the meeting by thanking each other and reaffirming their commitment to sustained partnership in health.
