BEIJING – Kenya and Pakistan on Tuesday moved closer to signing four cooperation agreements in pharmaceutical products and medical equipment.
This is after President William Ruto held talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in Beijing, China, where he welcomed Islamabad’s expression of interest to enhance trade relations with a focus on pharmaceutical products and medical equipment.
The meeting on the sidelines of the Third Beijing Belt and Road Initiative followed an earlier one on April 5, 2023 between then Medical Services Principal Secretary Eng. Peter Tum and Pakistan High Commissioner Saqlain Syeda.
Following their discussions, the Ministry of Health announced that the two states were exploring health partnership through four cooperation agreements covering pharmaceuticals, e-health, human resource for health exchange in specialties. There would also be a general MoU to improve healthcare access and quality.
PS Tum, who has since been moved to the Ministry of Sports, said the technical teams of both countries would work closely to fast-track the agreements, supporting Kenya’s Kwanza agenda on Universal Health Coverage and Afya mashinani.
Additionally, the ministry said, the discussion covered medical tourism in Pakistan as an alternative for specialized treatment.
“Kenya and Pakistan are committed to enhancing their partnership in healthcare and other areas of mutual interest,” Eng. Tum said.
The Pakistan PM was also expected to visit Kenya in September for the Africa Climate Summit but cancelled due to “unavoidable pressing engagements”.
