Syed Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, inaugurated the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Health Services Academy in Islamabad, a development intended to strengthen pharmacy education, public health research and the health workforce across Pakistan. The new school is presented as a key step to expand pharmacy education while supporting prevention-oriented health policies.
The minister said Pakistan has the talent and institutional capacity needed to build a stronger health system from within, and stressed the importance of producing competent doctors, pharmacists and public health professionals who serve with integrity, professionalism and public responsibility. He urged universities and regulators to prioritise training that equips graduates for real community needs.
Emphasising a shift from treatment to prevention, the minister said the national aim must be to keep people healthy rather than simply expanding hospital capacity. He called for balanced investment in disease prevention, primary healthcare and health promotion so Pakistan can strengthen its essential health systems and protect both public health and economic stability.
Pointing to demographic pressures, the minister noted that rapid population growth increases demand on health services and requires a trained, ethical and prevention-focused workforce able to protect communities, promote healthy lifestyles and reduce disease burden before illness occurs. Expanding pharmacy education at HSA is intended to produce pharmacists who can play a central role in prevention, rational medicine use and public health outreach.
Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor of HSA, described pharmaceutical sciences as a vital pillar of the healthcare system and said the new School of Pharmaceutical Sciences will strengthen HSA’s academic, research and policy contributions in pharmacy, regulation and health systems development. The initiative aims to broaden opportunities for pharmacy education and innovation in Pakistan.
Prof. Dr. Tariq Mehmood Ali, Registrar, highlighted HSA’s growth from a small training institute to a leading national public health university with thousands of students and strong collaborations with regulatory authorities and government organisations. The ceremony was attended by health professionals, faculty, pharmacists and representatives from the Pharmacy Council of Pakistan, including Dr Akhtar Abbas Khan, and other distinguished guests, underscoring broad sector support for advancing pharmacy education and a prevention-focused health agenda.
