Pakistan Launches First National Institute for Medical Device Industry
Pakistan has launched its first dedicated national institute for the medical device industry, marking a significant institutional step toward building domestic healthcare manufacturing capacity. The initiative is aimed at fostering innovation, setting quality standards, and reducing the country's heavy reliance on imported medical equipment.
The establishment of such an institute addresses a long-standing gap in Pakistan's healthcare industrial base. Currently, the country imports the vast majority of its medical devices, placing pressure on foreign exchange reserves and limiting healthcare affordability, particularly in public sector institutions.
The new institute is expected to serve as a centre for research, testing, regulatory compliance, and skills development for the medical device sector. Officials indicated that engagement with both local manufacturers and international partners would be central to the institute's operational mandate.
The launch reflects a broader government effort to develop high-value industrial sectors with healthcare and export implications, consistent with Pakistan's industrial policy direction under its current economic programme.
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