Latest news with #SyedMustafaKamal
Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Local pharma industry: Govt urged to create conducive environment
ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) has urged the government to create conducive environment for the local pharma industry so that it can enhance exports, create more jobs, and better serve the country. The pharma industry presented their demands to the Federal Minister for National Health Services and Regulations, Syed Mustafa Kamal, during a meeting here on Wednesday. Both the sides deliberated on key matters related to the pharmaceutical sector, including amendments in drug rules, indigenous production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), and the expansion of export opportunities particularly in the context of bilateral collaboration with Afghanistan. During the meeting, the minister emphasised the government's commitment to fostering the local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry and reiterated the strategic importance of domestic API production. 'We must work jointly to ensure local production of APIs, not only to reduce reliance on imports and save valuable foreign exchange reserves, but also to unlock the export potential of our pharmaceutical products,' the minister stated. To advance this vision, the federal minister directed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to develop a comprehensive concept note on the establishment of a Naphtha Cracker facility. This initiative aims to promote self-sufficiency in the production of essential raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, the minister reaffirmed the government's resolve to eradicate the menace of counterfeit medicines from the market. 'We are introducing a modern trace and track system whereby a unique bar code will be printed on every medicine. This system will allow patients to verify the authenticity and retail price of any medicine using their mobile phones,' the minister added. The PPMA chairman highlighted that Pakistan's pharmaceutical exports currently stood over $450 million, but with government backing, this figure could cross $2 billion dollars within next two years. The minister acknowledged the immense potential for pharmaceutical exports, particularly in markets across South-West Asia and Central Asia. He encouraged the PPMA to submit a comprehensive proposal to enhance exports, assuring them that the ministry would provide the necessary support. The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to strengthen public-private partnerships, streamline regulatory frameworks, and jointly pursue strategic initiatives to enhance pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensure medicine quality, and promote exports. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Qatar Tribune
4 hours ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Pakistan Healthcare Solutions Conference in Doha fosters bilateral collaboration
Tribune News Network Doha The Embassy of Pakistan in Qatar, in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) ITQAN Clinical Simulation and Innovation Centre, successfully hosted the Pakistan Healthcare Solutions Conference on June 2, at the ITQAN Clinical Simulation and Innovation Centre in Doha. The event, organised with the Atlantic International Business Network (AIBN) as the executive partner, aimed to advance a shared vision for healthcare innovation and strengthen Pakistan-Qatar collaboration. The conference was honoured by the presence of Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination of Pakistan, Syed Mustafa Kamal, as the chief guest from Pakistan, and Assistant Minister for Health Affairs, Ministry of Public Health, Qatar, HE Dr. Salih Al Marri, as the chief guest from Qatar. Ali Al Janahi, HMC acting assistant managing director, Dr. Abdulla Ali Al-Ansari, medical advisor to the managing director of HMC, also attended, highlighting the high-level commitment to bilateral healthcare ties. The event brought together key stakeholders from the medical, pharmaceutical, telehealth, academic, and regulatory sectors of both nations. It provided a platform for government officials, healthcare leaders, innovators, and investors to explore opportunities for cross-border partnerships and advancements in healthcare development. The program commenced with inaugural addresses by Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Javaid I. Sheikh, M.D., M.B.A., and the Executive Director of the ITQAN Clinical Simulation and Innovation Centre, Dr. Abdulla Ahmad. Their remarks underscored the transformative potential of collaborative efforts in strengthening healthcare systems between Pakistan and Qatar. Keynote presentations were delivered by Lt. Gen. Arshad Naseem HI (M), surgeon general of Pakistan, and Prof. Dr. Ambreen Afzal Ehsan, vice president of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. These sessions highlighted Pakistan's advancements in healthcare and set the stage for discussions on bilateral cooperation. Two high-level panel discussions enriched the conference. The first, on Pakistan-Qatar R&D Collaboration, moderated by Rahid Mazhar, featured experts including Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yar, Dr. Ali Raza, Dr. Rayaz Malik, and Dr. Yousuf Al Maslamani. The second, on Emerging Smart Healthcare and Innovation Opportunities, moderated by Dr. Hasham Khan, included Dr. Fatih Mehmet Gul, Dr. Rola Hammoud, Dr. Zahid Ali, Dr. Javaid Sheikh, and Muhammad Irfan, focusing on innovative healthcare technologies. Additional presentations were delivered by Dr. Obaidullah Malik, CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP); Amr Metwally, assistant executive director at ITQAN; Ikram Ul Haq, president of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce; Muhammad Irfan, CEO of Xeven Solutions; and Tanvir Khan, representing Labware Arabia. These talks showcased innovations in regulatory frameworks, medical technology, and industry partnerships. An exhibition featured stalls from leading companies such as Allison, Labware, and others, displaying advancements in medical devices, laboratory technologies, and AI-powered solutions. This interactive platform facilitated knowledge exchange and explored potential avenues for future collaboration. The conference concluded with remarks by Hafiz Muhammad Talha, CEO of AIBN and managing director of Metas Qatar, followed by a closing address by Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar HE Muhammad Aamer. The ambassador reaffirmed the Embassy's commitment to fostering enduring healthcare partnerships between Pakistan and Qatar.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- General
- Business Recorder
Qatar urged to upgrade Pakistani surgeons
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has requested Qatar government to upgrade Pakistani surgeons from category three to category one enabling them to bypass appearing in tests. The request was formerly forwarded by the Federal Minister National Health Services and Regulations Syed Mustafa Kamal's recent visit to Qatar where he met with Qatar' s Health Minister Mansoor bin Ibrahim. The Qatari government assured the minister to seriously consider the request which is a longstanding demand of Pakistani doctors. Meanwhile, Kamal on Tuesday chaired a high level review meeting on polio eradication which was attended by key stakeholders, including the Prime Minister's Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Special Secretary Health, Additional Secretary Health, the National Polio Coordinator, as well as representatives from WHO, UNICEF, and provincial health authorities. During the meeting, a comprehensive review of the recent nationwide polio vaccination drive was presented. Over 45 million children were successfully administered the polio vaccine drops. National and provincial coordinators shared detailed updates on the ongoing polio eradication efforts, highlighting progress as well as obstacles. Kamal emphasized that protecting children from polio is a collective national responsibility that requires urgent and sustained efforts from all segments of society. He urged parents to proactively seek out polio workers and ensure the immunization of their children, reminding that safeguarding children's health is a matter of accountability both in this life and the hereafter. The Minister highlighted that while cancer treatment is possible, polio remains an incurable disease, reinforcing the critical need to eliminate the virus through effective vaccination campaigns. He called for a significant policy shift to enhance campaign effectiveness and stressed the importance of unity and societal participation in this national mission. "Only two countries in the world still face the threat of polio," Mustafa Kamal stated, noting ongoing extensive campaigns in Afghanistan, effectively supported by the Taliban government. He expressed his hope for simultaneous polio-free status for both Pakistan and Afghanistan. He concluded by motivating the nation to overcome this challenge, stating, 'If we can defeat India as one nation, we can certainly defeat polio. If Palestine remains polio-free despite war, then what are we waiting for?' The Federal Health Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying polio eradication efforts to ensure a polio-free Pakistan in the near future. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
21-05-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Pakistan's health minister assures Palestinian counterpart of medical support
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's health minister Syed Mustafa Kamal informed his Palestinian counterpart that a framework has been developed to provide medical assistance to the people of Gaza, according to an official statement on Wednesday, during a meeting on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly in Switzerland. Kamal's meeting with the Palestinian health minister, Dr. Maged Awni Muhammad Abu Ramadan, took place at a time when Israeli forces have repeatedly targeted hospitals and health facilities in Gaza, crippling the enclave's health care system. Israeli attacks have also led to international concern over violations of humanitarian norms in the war-torn Palestinian territory. 'We stand with our Palestinian brothers and will provide all possible medical support to heal their wounds,' the health ministry quoted Kamal as saying. He strongly condemned Israel's targeting of hospitals and health care workers, urging the international community to take concrete action to end the atrocities against Palestinians, including women and children. 'The brutality and oppression must stop,' he was quoted as saying. 'The world must hold Israel accountable.' Earlier this week, Pakistan condemned Israel's targeting of hospitals in Gaza and described its announcement of taking control of the entire Palestinian territory as a 'grave threat' to regional peace. The remarks by the Pakistani foreign office came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared his government wanted to take control of the Gaza Strip.
Express Tribune
07-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Hospitals on high alert in twin cities
Karachi's mayor Syed Mustafa Kamal gestures during an interview at his office in Karachi December 2, 2009. PHOTO: REUTERS Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, has declared a state of emergency across all public hospitals in the federal capital. Scheduled leaves for all hospital personnel have been suspended, and staff have been instructed to report to duty without delay. All doctors, nurses, paramedics, and administrative staff affiliated with the Federal Ministry of Health and its subordinate institutions have been ordered to remain on high alert. "In light of the evolving situation, my top priority is to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens," said Minister Kamal, who also confirmed the cancellation of his official visits to Geneva and Qatar. "The current crisis requires my full attention at home." As part of the emergency response, the Ministry has established a 24/7 Emergency Quick Response Centre at the Federal Health Institution. The centre is tasked with assessing health-related threats arising from the conflict and coordinating a rapid and unified response across the country. The centre will maintain constant communication with provincial and district health authorities to ensure coordinated action. Provincial Health Secretaries have been directed to keep close contact with the federal ministry and to update their emergency response strategies in alignment with federal protocols as the situation develops. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with health officials as emergency services are mobilised to meet the growing demands on the healthcare system. On the other hand, in the wake of the recent Indian aggression against Pakistan, authorities in Rawalpindi issued an emergency alert for three allied hospitals in Rawalpindi to deal with any potential emergency situations. A 14-point emergency schedule was activated in this regard. A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor of Rawalpindi Medical University, Professor Dr Muhammad Umar. The meeting, attended by the Medical Superintendents (MS) and Heads of Departments of the three hospitals - Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, Holy Family Hospital, and Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital - was conducted at the New Teaching Block of Rawalpindi Medical University. During the meeting, the 14-point emergency schedule was discussed, and immediate implementation of the following directives was ordered by the VC. Officials have been tasked to ensure disaster cupboards are stocked and up to standard, ensure availability of all blood groups in the blood bank, finalise emergency bed allocations, maintain six burn beds in each hospital, ensure orthopedic availability of beds and uninterrupted gas supply, prepare anesthesia emergency rosters for senior staff, allocate 48-hour shifts for senior staff and ensure operation theaters are ready with required HR and linen. It is further asked that ICU will be equipped with a capacity of 10 beds, with a 10.10 core ready for emergency services, and hospitals will be prepared for emergency wartime services within the next 12 hours. In case of deep injuries, burns, bullet wounds, explosions, or missile injuries, doctors will be ready to respond quickly. All emergency staff and Heads of Departments (HODs) must keep their mobile phones on at all times and remain available for duty, including on-call services. Continuous communication should be maintained with the Deputy Commissioner (DC)'s office, Rescue 1122, Edhi Ambulance Service, and Civil Defence. With additional input from APP box Women lawyers condemn Indian aggression our correspondent RAWALPINDI. Senior female lawyers from the High Court and District Bar Associations in Rawalpindi have strongly condemned India's recent missile attacks, calling them cowardly acts that resulted in the deaths of innocent women and children. They praised Pakistan's armed forces for their robust defensive response and vowed continued support in the face of aggression. Speaking to The Express Tribune, senior lawyers, including Sarkar Abbas, Tasleem Abbasi, Ansa Mehnaz Satti, Nusrat Noreen Satti, Kaneez Fatima, Zaib Fayyaz, Masooma Asif, Sabahat Tariq, Shazia Yasin Hashmi, Naheed Ayub Raja, Iqra Asif, Zohra Fazal Khokhar, and Zubaida Khanum, stated that Indian hostility will always be met with equivalent strength. They asserted that India cannot unilaterally violate international agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty, which has the World Bank as guarantor. The lawyers commended Pakistan's air force for downing five Rafale fighter jets and described the act as a significant achievement. They emphasised that the nation stands united with its military and, if necessary, both male and female lawyers, along with court clerks, are ready to donate blood for the armed forces. "We may have a thousand internal disagreements," said one lawyer, "but when it comes to Pakistan, we are one." They concluded by stating that India would remember the consequences of its actions for years to come, vowing to settle all past and present scores accumulated over the past 77 years.
