In a major development for national health collaboration, Federal Minister for Health, Mr. Mustafa Kamal, met with Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare, Khawaja Imran Nazir, and his team. The high-level meeting focused on strengthening coordination between the federal and provincial governments to address critical healthcare challenges and launch joint initiatives across key health areas.
Also present at the meeting were Special Secretary Health Syed Waqar-ul-Hassan, Additional Secretary Health, Chief Information Officer of DRAP, Director General Health, and the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
Focus Areas of the Meeting Included, joint action against counterfeit medicines, coordinated efforts on polio eradication and dengue prevention and advancement of digital health systems and regulatory reform
Minister Mustafa Kamal reiterated the federal government’s resolve to address healthcare issues with urgency. He stated that under the direction of the Prime Minister, particular focus is being placed on eliminating polio and ensuring timely implementation of health programs. “The fight against polio continues with full zeal, until the virus is eliminated, our children remain at risk,” he emphasized.
He shared plans for a new national strategy for polio eradication and urged parents to disregard negative propaganda and ensure their children are vaccinated. “In Palestine, even during war, mothers call for vaccinators with whistles. Pakistani mothers must also play their part in protecting their children,” he said.
Minister Kamal highlighted steps being taken by DRAP to combat counterfeit medicines, including the rollout of a modern barcode system. This will enable every medicine to carry a unique code that patients can scan to verify authenticity and price. Additionally, export certifications such as GMP, CoPP, and NOCs are now being processed online via the Pakistan Single Window, and all regulatory submissions are handled through the new "e-App" online platform.
Provincial Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir reaffirmed Punjab’s full support for the federal government’s health agenda. “Punjab has greater capacity and resources, and we are ready to share these to benefit all provinces. The health of our people must come before all else,” he stated.
He also praised DRAP’s initiatives under the leadership of Minister Kamal, particularly those targeting counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
The two ministers agreed on the importance of coordinated measures to prevent dengue outbreaks in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and committed to united efforts in disease prevention, vaccination campaigns, and health system strengthening. They stressed that collaboration between federal and provincial levels is crucial to achieving meaningful progress in the health sector.
*-*-*-*-*-*
