ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia have held talks to strengthen cooperation in the healthcare sector, particularly the import of insulin to meet the growing demand among diabetic patients.
A high-level meeting was held on Wednesday at the Ministry of Industries and Production in Islamabad, state media reported.
Chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, the meeting was attended by Denis Nazarov, Representative of the Russian Government, senior officials from the Ministry of Industries and Production, the Ministry of National Health Services, and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
The session reviewed progress on bilateral health sector cooperation, with a particular focus on the import of insulin and the formulation of implementation protocols for policy coordination.
It was noted that DRAP had previously approved the registration of Genetics Pharmaceuticals, Lahore, for the import of insulin from the Russian company Zavod Medsintez.
Haroon Akhtar Khan said that the proposed Pakistan-Russia pharmaceutical joint venture marks a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral relations.
He highlighted that, given the rising demand for insulin in Pakistan, this collaboration could help ensure a consistent supply for diabetic patients across the country.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to initiating local insulin production, in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision.
A joint protocol between Pakistani manufacturers and Russian pharmaceutical firms is currently being finalised.
The minister directed all relevant stakeholders to prepare a comprehensive proposal for submission to the Federal Cabinet for formal approval.
