Health Minister, Chinese counterpart discuss pharma cooperation, joint vaccine production in Geneva

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th May, 2026) Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal Meets Chinese Health Minister on Sidelines of World Health Assembly in Geneva

Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal continued his series of high-level bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, where he held an important meeting with the Health Minister of China.

During the meeting, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, particularly cooperation in the health sector and strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and China.

Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal expressed gratitude to the Government of China for its steadfast support to Pakistan during the recent crisis and acknowledged the long-standing friendship between the two countries.

During the discussion, the Federal Minister emphasized the urgent need for cooperation in three key areas, particularly highlighting the importance of local production of pharmaceutical raw materials and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) in Pakistan.

He underlined the significance of promoting the Naphtha Cracker industry in Pakistan, noting that nearly 80 to 90 percent of pharmaceutical raw materials are currently imported. He further stated that developing an effective local manufacturing ecosystem would require approximately two to three years, making immediate action essential.

The Federal Minister also proposed joint vaccine production initiatives between Pakistan and China to strengthen regional health security and improve vaccine accessibility.

Mustafa Kamal informed the Chinese delegation that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan is expected to achieve WHO Maturity Level 3 status by early 2027, which would enable Pakistan’s pharmaceutical market to expand access to an additional 100 countries.

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Both sides agreed that all discussed areas of cooperation would be institutionalized before the Federal Minister’s upcoming visit to China in October 2026.

On behalf of Pakistan, the Chief Executive Officer of DRAP and Mr. Adeel Mumtaz from Pakistan Mission Geneva were designated as focal persons for follow-up coordination.

The Chinese Health Minister reaffirmed that the friendship between Pakistan and China is built on strong and enduring foundations and stated that China is keen to further expand cooperation with Pakistan in the health sector.

The Chinese side also expressed willingness to support Pakistan in enhancing its pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, particularly in raw materials and advanced medicines production.

The Chinese Health Minister informed the meeting that a Global Conference on Traditional Medicine will be held in China in October 2026, and Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal will be formally invited to participate.

Additionally, China’s Ministry of education announced an increase in scholarships for Pakistani students.

During the meeting, the Chinese side also reiterated its request for Pakistan’s continued support for the “One China Policy.”

Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Pakistan-China “Iron Brotherhood” and enhancing strategic cooperation in the health sector.