Pakistan invites Chinese medical firms to set up units

Pakistan invites Chinese medical firms to set up units as both countries vow to enhance cooperation in healthcare.

Pakistan and China have decided to deepen collaboration in the healthcare sector, with an emphasis on pharmaceutical manufacturing, digital health solutions, and medical technologies.

This agreement was reached during a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Health Minister, Mustafa Kamal, and his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of the SCO Health Conference.

The ministers reiterated the enduring friendship between their countries and underlined the importance of mutual assistance during crises—citing China’s vital vaccine support to Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister Kamal thanked China for its pandemic-related aid and emphasized the potential for further cooperation, particularly in local pharmaceutical manufacturing and telemedicine initiatives.

He pointed out that several Pakistani pharmaceutical firms rely on Chinese raw materials and advocated for joint ventures and public-private partnerships to domestically produce Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).

“There is vast potential for Chinese investment in Pakistan’s health sector, especially in pharmaceutical manufacturing and telehealth,” Kamal remarked, expressing Pakistan’s interest in boosting domestic production and digital healthcare access.

Kamal also suggested collaborative training and exchange programs to strengthen the capacity of Pakistan’s drug regulatory body (DRAP), and sought Chinese expertise in regulatory systems.

The Chinese Health Minister endorsed the proposals and expressed a strong commitment to enhancing bilateral healthcare cooperation.

Both sides agreed to designate focal points to devise a cooperation framework, promote traditional Chinese medicine, and encourage joint research, training, and institutional partnerships.

The meeting concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to advancing healthcare collaboration as a core component of their “all-weather” strategic partnership.