ISLAMABAD(National times)- Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has proposed the establishment of an “OIC Vaccine Alliance” consisting of Islamic countries, emphasizing the crucial role of vaccine production in the global health sector. Speaking at the fourth meeting of the OIC Vaccine Manufacturers Group, Kamal highlighted the exceptional importance of vaccine development for the entire healthcare industry. Kamal pointed out that with a population of 240 million and an annual increase of more than 6 million people, vaccine production presents a significant challenge for Pakistan. He stressed the importance of local vaccine manufacturing to address the growing demands of the population and reduce reliance on foreign supplies. The health minister said Pakistan has set a target to end its dependence on vaccine imports by 2030. However, he emphasized that waiting until 2030 is not an option, urging for immediate expansion of vaccine production capabilities to meet future needs. Kamal also underscored that while Pakistan has the necessary infrastructure and strong institutions like the National Institute of Health, the production or trade of vaccines is not a profitable business. As such, a strong and reliable partnership is essential for success. He further shared that Pakistan is collaborating with countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia in the vaccine production process.