ISLAMABAD: In a diplomatic move towards reinforcing ties in the health sector with the UK, Caretaker Federal Minister for Health, Dr Nadeem Jan, during a meeting with the British Minister of State for Health, Andrew Stephenson, discussed establishment of nutritional supplement plants in Pakistan.
The discussions between the two ministers included matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations, and the prospect of enhancing cooperation in various areas of healthcare.
Dr Jan thanked his British counterpart for the continuous support from his government across diverse areas of the health sector in Pakistan.
The British minister, in turn, commended Pakistan's position in the nutrition sector, affirming the commitment to continue the malnutrition programme. He pledged not only to supply nutritional supplements but also establishment of plants in Pakistan to manufacture these products.
Dr Jan said a collaborative effort was underway with the Kirk Foundation and Junaid Family Foundation, with plans to construct a nutritional supplements plant in Pakistan through technology transfer. He hoped that this initiative would not only meet domestic needs but also enable exports to the global market.
An invitation was extended by Dr Jan to his British counterpart to participate in the Global Health Security Summit scheduled for January 10-11 in Islamabad. This summit is set to host top health leadership and delegations from various countries, with the minister expressing openness to the British government co-hosting this historic event.
The British health minister, expressing satisfaction, promised a timely response to the invitation, assured his full cooperation on Pakistan's health security agenda.
Dr Jan highlighted the extensive reforms underway in Pakistan's health sector, with Universal Health Coverage standing as a top priority.
He announced the upgrading of 500 basic health units across the country within the next two months.
