Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, inaugurated the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Health Services Academy (HSA), Islamabad, marking a significant milestone in strengthening pharmaceutical education and public health research in Pakistan. The inauguration aims to address the country’s health challenges by enhancing workforce development and focusing on a prevention-oriented health system.

According to Press Information Department, Syed Mustafa Kamal emphasized the potential within Pakistan to build a resilient health system, highlighting the importance of training competent doctors, pharmacists, and public health professionals. He advocated for a national health strategy that prioritizes prevention over treatment, suggesting that expanding hospitals alone will not suffice without a focus on primary healthcare and health promotion.

The Minister acknowledged the demographic pressures from Pakistan’s growing population and stressed the need for a trained, ethical health workforce to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce disease burdens. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan remarked on the importance of pharmaceutical sciences in healthcare, noting the new school’s role in enhancing HSA’s contributions to pharmacy, public health, regulation, and health systems development.

Registrar Prof. Dr. Tariq Mehmood Ali highlighted HSA’s growth from a small training institution to a leading national public health university. The establishment of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences is seen as a key advancement in pharmacy education, research, and public health workforce development, contributing to a healthier and more resilient Pakistan. The ceremony was attended by health professionals and representatives from academia and the health sector.