Xi’an (TDI): Pakistan and China have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the healthcare sector, focusing on pharmaceutical manufacturing, digital health, and medical technology.
The development follows a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and his Chinese counterpart on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Health Conference.
During the meeting, they reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Pakistan and China and stressed the significance of mutual support in challenging times, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Beijing offered essential vaccine supplies to Pakistan.
Minister Kamal expressed gratitude for Beijing’s pandemic support and underscored the opportunities for enhanced cooperation, especially in the sectors of pharmaceutical production and telemedicine.
Read More: Pakistan Seeks to Boost Space Ties with China
He said that many Pakistani pharmaceutical firm depend on raw materials from China and emphasized joint ventures and public-private partnerships to locally produce Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients.
Kamal said that there are vast opportunities for Chinese firms to invest in the health sector of Pakistan, particularly in telemedicine and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Read More: Pakistan’s Salt Exports to China Soar Up to 40% in Q1 2025
Pakistan is keen to boost local production capacity and improve healthcare access utilizing digital tools.
Kamal also suggested training programs and exchange visits to enhance the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan’s (DRAP) capacity, asking for Chinese expertise in regulatory matters.
The Chinese Health Minister appreciated the proposals and expressed his support for further expanding collaboration.
They also agreed to appoint focal persons to develop a framework for practical collaboration, promote traditional Chinese medicine, and support joint training, research, and institutional linkages.
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment to enhancing health cooperation, strengthening the “all-weather” strategic bilateral partnership.
