KARACHI: In a significant policy engagement, the Saman-e-Shifa Foundation (SSF) and Salim Habib University have jointly submitted comprehensive recommendations to Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal and SIFC General Secretary Jameel Qureshi, aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s medical device sector in light of the Finance Bill 2025–26.
Acknowledging the government's recognition of the sector as pivotal to national health security, industrial growth, and technological advancement, the two institutions have praised the strategic direction laid out in the bill while proposing targeted enhancements to ensure effective implementation.
The recommendations stress the importance of prioritizing the rapid expansion of existing local manufacturers who demonstrate innovation and quality compliance. To accelerate this, the proposal calls for the creation of a National Medical Device Innovation Fund under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which would offer financial support for R&D, prototype development, and technology transfer. The need for international branding of Pakistani-made devices is also emphasized, urging the government to launch a unified global marketing strategy through trade missions and global exhibitions.
In response to the policy measures outlined in the Finance Bill, SSF and Salim Habib University have suggested refining incentives for import substitution. A tiered incentive structure is recommended, offering greater benefits for products with higher local value addition, particularly those addressing critical public health needs. A "Buy Local" mandate for public healthcare procurement is proposed to guarantee a minimum share for locally produced, DRAP-registered devices—provided they meet quality and cost benchmarks.
To ease operational bottlenecks, the proposal recommends automated zero-rating of life-saving devices and their inputs, and an accelerated sales tax refund process. It also calls for PSDP funds to establish dedicated testing and certification laboratories under public-private partnerships, alongside university-based medical device incubation centers.
The institutions have further proposed regulatory reforms, including a fast-track DRAP approval mechanism for local innovations, streamlined FDI processes through a single-window SIFC platform, and reinforced intellectual property protections to encourage technology transfer. Export potential is addressed through a dedicated desk within TDAP and subsidies for international certifications such as CE and FDA.
Recognizing the need for skilled human resources, the proposal emphasizes industry-academia partnerships, specialized training programs, and incentives to attract expatriate professionals. To oversee these initiatives, SSF and Salim Habib University advocate for a Joint Working Group comprising government officials, industry leaders, and academic experts, tasked with quarterly reviews, implementation oversight, and policy evolution.
Dr. Salim Habib, Chairman of Salim Habib University, Chancellor Dr. Iram Afaq, and the leadership of SSF have reiterated their commitment to collaborate with the Government of Pakistan to realize a self-reliant, globally competitive medical device industry.
