Denmark plans repackaging facilities as Pakistan explores local insulin production

Islamabad:In a significant move toward pharmaceutical self-sufficiency, National Health Services and Regulation Minister Mustafa Kamal on Tuesday proposed importing raw materials for insulin production instead of relying solely on direct imports.

"The initiative will boost local manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign supplies," the minister told Danish Ambassador Jakob Linulf, who called on him in his office here. The ambassador said that Denmark was planning to establish repackaging facilities in Pakistan to facilitate local insulin production, thereby strengthening the country’s healthcare sector and improving people's access to essential medicines. He noted that currently, Novo Nordisk is the only Danish company supplying insulin to Pakistan.

"With nearly one in four adults in Pakistan affected by diabetes and obesity, Denmark is stepping up support through leading Danish companies like Novo Nordisk Pakistan. We are actively working to combat these non-communicable diseases and support a healthier future for Pakistanis," he said.

Minister Kamal said that the government welcomed foreign investment and was committed to taking all necessary measures to facilitate business opportunities in the health sector. He acknowledged Pakistan’s longstanding ties with Denmark and emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing health challenges. Highlighting Pakistan’s healthcare landscape, the minister pointed out that 33 million people in the country were affected by diabetes, underscoring the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases.