Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal inaugurated Pakistan’s first locally developed ventilator during a ceremony at the Karachi Expo Center, marking a major step toward self-reliance in the country’s healthcare technology sector.
Speaking to reporters, the minister said Pakistan had long relied on imported ventilators, but the locally produced device demonstrates the nation’s growing capability in medical innovation. “When faced with challenges, our nation always stands united and delivers results,” he stated.
Kamal highlighted that the government has fully digitized the licensing process for medical equipment, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency. “In the past, paperwork delays and bribery were common. Now, the online system has minimized corruption and made the process much easier,” he explained.
Emphasizing the importance of good governance, the minister said the government’s focus remains on using authority for public welfare. “If we use our power positively, no external force can destroy us,” he remarked, acknowledging the prime minister’s support for healthcare advancement.
The minister also pointed out ongoing challenges in the health sector, calling on district governments to play a more active role. “District administrations must take responsibility to make healthcare more effective. We are working tirelessly to bring real improvement,” he added.
Addressing misinformation, Kamal criticized vaccine hesitancy, calling it a dangerous misconception. “Some people still call vaccines a Jewish plot, but the truth is, vaccines save lives everywhere in the world,” he said.
Kamal further shared updates on upcoming healthcare projects, noting that while hospitals in Karachi fall under provincial jurisdiction, the federal government is building a Jinnah Medical Complex in Islamabad and plans to establish a similar state-of-the-art medical facility in Karachi soon. The initiative reflects Pakistan’s growing emphasis on domestic healthcare innovation and infrastructure development.
