KARACHI: In a historic move, Pakistan’s health industry has, for the first time, recognized the contributions of workers who usually remain behind the scenes.

During the Health Asia Awards ceremony, Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal presented Special Category Awards to a Naib Qasid, a female polio worker, and a Lower Division Clerk in acknowledgment of their dedication and service to the country’s healthcare system.

Speaking on the occasion, the Health Minister said: “These awards are dedicated to all the unsung heroes who work tirelessly day and night to keep Pakistan’s healthcare system running.”

He further emphasized that every individual—regardless of designation—plays a crucial role in strengthening the nation’s public health framework.

Earlier, Karachi Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal inaugurated the Health Asia Exhibition at the Expo Centre Karachi.

The three-day exhibition brings together delegates from over 50 countries and leading pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers under one roof, showcasing Pakistan’s growing potential in healthcare innovation and technology.

Addressing the media, the Minister said that “today marks a historic day in Pakistan’s economic journey,” adding that the nation’s healthcare department is embracing a new era of innovation. He stated that “in the near future, the healthcare sector will become the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.”

The Minister highlighted that Pakistani pharmaceutical companies are already exporting medicines and medical equipments to various parts of the world, reflecting the industry’s global competitiveness. He emphasised that the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the private sector, is taking dedicated steps to promote pharmaceutical and medical device exports, aiming to surpass USD 30 billion in the coming years.