Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal Pushes Forward Healthcare Reforms

In a high-level meeting held at the Ministry of Health on September 8, 2025, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal emphasized the urgency of accelerating Pakistan’s healthcare transformation. The session focused on reviewing progress of ongoing projects and laying out a roadmap for future initiatives aimed at improving public health infrastructure and regulatory transparency.

Fast-Tracking Key Healthcare Projects

Minister Kamal directed officials to expedite all active projects, particularly the construction of a new Cancer Hospital and an advanced Emergency Ward. These facilities are expected to significantly enhance access to specialized care and emergency services across the country.

Digitization of PMDC and Nursing Council

As part of the government’s broader reform agenda, the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) is undergoing full digitization. The goal is to promote merit-based practices and ensure transparency in medical licensing and education. Similar reforms are being implemented in the Pakistan Nursing Council to streamline operations and improve service delivery.

DRAP Reforms and Medical Device Licensing

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has also seen major changes. Medical device licensing has been digitized, and licenses are now issued within a fixed timeframe of just 20 days. This move is expected to reduce bureaucratic delays and improve access to essential medical technologies.

Crackdown on Counterfeit Medicines

Minister Kamal stressed the importance of eliminating counterfeit drugs, which pose serious risks to public health and undermine the credibility of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry. To combat this issue, the government is accelerating the implementation of a 2D barcode system for medicine verification. Several meetings with pharmaceutical stakeholders have already taken place to ensure effective enforcement.

A Unified Strategy for Health Sector Reform

The Ministry of Health has developed an integrated strategy to guide these reforms, aiming to build a more transparent, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare system. Minister Kamal reiterated the government’s commitment to decisive action and long-term improvements in medical governance.