Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that Pakistan will begin developing its own vaccines with the support of China, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, as international donor assistance for vaccines is expected to end by 2030.
Addressing the Inauguration Ceremony of Indus University’s North Karachi Campus, Syed Mustafa Kamal said that India had stopped the supply of vaccines to Pakistan following the war, creating an urgent need for self-reliance in vaccine production. He warned that once donor support ends, Pakistan would have to spend approximately 1.2 billion dollars annually to purchase vaccines. He emphasized that the country’s healthcare system currently focuses more on treating illness rather than preventing it. He said that Healthcare should protect people from falling sick, but in Pakistan, it starts only after a person becomes ill — what we practice is sick care.
Highlighting demo-graphic challenges, he said Pakistan is expected to become the world’s sixth most populous country by 2030, with a fertility rate of 3.7 — among the highest globally. He stressed the urgent need for effective population control measures, noting that around 400 mothers die per 10,000 births due to childbirth-related complications.
He said that while the government is taking steps to improve public health, citizens must also take responsibility for their own well-being. He criticised unchecked urban development, stating that approval of housing schemes should be linked to the installation of water treatment plants, as environmental neglect is contributing to disease. He further said that misinformation regarding vaccination and the lack of birth control were major obstacles to improving health outcomes. He added that both public and private hospitals are facing severe pressure due to an overwhelming number of patients, leading to shortages of hospital beds.
Earlier, Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal formally inaugurated the Indus University North Karachi Campus by unveiling a commemorative plaque. Members of the Provincial Assembly Rehan Akram and Sheikh Abdullah were also present on the occasion.
Chancellor of Indus University, Khalid Amin briefed participants on the institution’s academic vision and future plans. A commemorative shield was also presented to the federal minister in recognition of his visit.