Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal declared on October 23, 2026 that Pakistan faces no shortage of flu vaccines, insisting the market remains supplied even as certain multinational brands stay off pharmacy shelves pending price approval from the federal cabinet.
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What the Minister Said
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Why Multinational Brands Are Missing
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What is the issue with the Chinese-manufactured vaccine? Is there any problem with it?
Kamal said the Chinese product had been approved by the relevant authorities and defended it as fully legitimate for Pakistani patients. He also stressed that no tablet, drug, or dose can be sold in Pakistan without approval from DRAP.
Who Fixes Drug Prices in Pakistan?
The minister explained that neither the health ministry nor DRAP holds the authority to independently determine drug prices.
The law explicitly states that no individual minister, federal health minister, or DRAP can fix drug prices on their own.
He said approval and determination of drug prices rests with the federal cabinet, and a cabinet subcommittee headed by the finance minister has completed its deliberations and submitted proposals through the prime minister.
Insulin Shortage Raised in the National Assembly
Separately, the shortage of insulin was raised during a National Assembly session after lawmaker Amna Batool drew attention to the matter.
Parliamentary Secretary Nelson Azeem said the shortage was linked to an imported product from Germany, whose supply problems are affecting Europe as well. He said the situation would improve once supplies resume and an alternative insulin product is available for use.
According to Azeem, Pakistan previously received 3,500 insulin kits, but the number has now fallen to 1,000.
If the product is not being manufactured, its supply will be difficult.
Medical Advice for the Elderly
Medical experts said elderly people are generally advised to receive the flu vaccine in September, adding that vaccination helps improve immunity among elderly people and patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a flu vaccine shortage in Pakistan?
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal says no, insisting several brands remain available even though certain multinational brands are absent pending cabinet price approval.
Why are some multinational flu vaccine brands unavailable?
Those brands sought price increases that require federal cabinet approval, which has not yet been granted, so their vaccines could not be imported.
Is the Chinese-made flu vaccine safe?
Minister Kamal said the Chinese-manufactured vaccine has been approved by the relevant authorities and no medicine can be sold in Pakistan without DRAP approval.