Pakistan’s annual vaccine bill set to climb to $1.2 billion by 2031 without local production, warns health minister

Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has warned that Pakistan could face an annual vaccine bill of up to $1.2 billion by 2031 unless domestic vaccine production is established, calling the current reliance on imports a looming economic burden.

Speaking at a press conference, Kamal explained that Pakistan currently imports all vaccines despite providing 13 types of vaccines free to citizens. With a population of approximately 240 million and around 6.2 million births annually, the demand for vaccines is growing rapidly.

At present, Pakistan imports vaccines at a cost of about $400 million per year, with 49% of the cost covered by international organisations and the government funding the remaining 51%. While the immediate financial burden is manageable, Kamal emphasised that international support will cease after 2031, and without domestic vaccine production, costs are projected to rise significantly.

"We procure vaccines through GAVI, which used to come from India," Kamal said, noting that vaccine shipments from India have stopped following the May 2025 conflict.

The minister confirmed that the government has begun preparations to establish local vaccine production capacity to ensure self-sufficiency. He pointed out that neighbouring countries like Saudi Arabia and Indonesia have already made strides in vaccine production, with Indonesia producing two million doses annually.

Kamal stressed the need for urgent action to avoid the financial strain of importing vaccines in the future.