Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, inaugurated the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Health Services Academy (HSA), Islamabad, marking an important milestone in strengthening pharmaceutical education, public health research, and health workforce development in Pakistan.
Addressing the ceremony, Syed Mustafa Kamal stated that Pakistan possesses the talent, institutional capacity, and professional potential required to build a stronger and more resilient shealth system from within. He emphasized the importance of producing competent doctors, pharmacists, and public health professionals who can serve society with integrity, professionalism, and a strong sense of public responsibility.
The Minister underscored the need to shift the national health focus from treatment to prevention. “Our goal should be to keep people healthy and prevent them from becoming patients,” he said. He noted that expanding hospitals alone would not solve Pakistan’s health challenges unless equal attention is given to disease prevention, primary healthcare, health promotion, and strengthening the foundations of the health system. He added that a strong essential health system is critical not only for health security but also for Pakistan’s economic stability and sustainable development.
Highlighting demographic challenges, Syed Mustafa Kamal observed that Pakistan’s rapidly growing population is placing increasing pressure on health services. He stressed the need for a trained, ethical, and prevention-oriented health workforce capable of protecting communities, promoting healthy lifestyles, and reducing the burden of disease before illness occurs.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan stated that pharmaceutical sciences constitute a vital pillar of the healthcare system and that the new School of Pharmaceutical Sciences will further strengthen HSA’s academic, research, and policy contributions in pharmacy, public health, regulation, and health systems development.
Registrar Prof. Dr. Tariq Mehmood Ali highlighted the remarkable institutional growth of HSA, noting its transformation from a small training institution into a leading national public health university with thousands of students, multiple academic schools, and strong collaborations with public health institutions, regulatory authorities, and government organizations across Pakistan.
The establishment of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences represents a significant step forward in advancing pharmacy education, research, innovation, and public health workforce development, contributing to a healthier and more resilient Pakistan. The ceremony was attended by health professionals, faculty members, pharmacists, representatives from academia and the health sector, Dr Akhtar Abbas Khan, Secretary, Pharmacy Council of Pakistan, and other distinguished guests."
