Islamabad - Amid rising tensions between Pakistan and India, the Ministry of National Health Services convened a high-level emergency meeting today at the National Institute of Health (NIH), chaired by Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal.
The meeting brought together key health officials, including the Director General of Health, CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), heads of federal hospitals, and representatives from provincial health departments and the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority. Officials from Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir also joined the session.
The primary focus of the meeting was to assess national preparedness for potential medical emergencies and to formulate a coordinated health response strategy.
“India is an unreliable adversary. We must stay fully prepared for all contingencies,” said Minister Kamal. “The Ministry and its institutions will remain on high alert.”
He directed DRAP to ensure the continuous supply of vaccines and life-saving medicines, while also preparing alternatives for drugs currently imported from India. The NIH was instructed to immediately enhance domestic vaccine production capabilities.
A major decision announced at the meeting was establishment of a National Health Emergency Center (NHEC)at NIH. This center will operate 24/7, maintaining constant coordination with all provinces and health departments.
To maintain healthcare continuity, the minister emphasized that all federal hospitals must function without interruption during any emergency. Provincial governments were urged to allocate extra hospital beds and maintain sufficient stocks of essential medicines and blood supplies.
Polyclinic Hospital was specifically directed to prepare for the treatment of burn victims, and military medical requirements were prioritized as a key aspect of the emergency plan.
“Timely information exchange is vital during crises,” Minister Kamal stated. “The Ministry is actively monitoring developments and will take every necessary measure to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for the people of Pakistan.”
