Tareen calls for up gradation of surgical industry
By Asad Cheema

ISLAMABAD—Jahangir Khan Tareen, Federal Minister for Industries, Production and Special Initiatives, has directed TUSDEC (Technological Up gradation and Skill Development Company) to work closely with Surgical Instruments' Strategy Working Group (SWOG) for up gradation and skill development of Surgical goods and Medical Devices Industry.
The Minister stated this while chairing a meeting with Surgical Instruments' SWOG here today. Meeting was also attended by Shahab Khawaja Secretary Ministry of Industries, Production and Special Initiatives, SMEDA officials, representatives of ILO and J. E Austin Associates and other officials of the Ministry.
The SWOG in its presentation told the Minister that total export of Surgical Instruments from Pakistan stands at $160 Million this year and that there is big international market for surgical instruments to the tune of $100 Billion.
It was further told that SWOG aims to increase Pakistan surgical exports to $500 Million by the year 2012. The SWOG representatives also told the Minister about the strengths and weaknesses of the Surgical Industry and demanded of the Government to help in developing and streaming this very important industry.
They further told the Minister that Pakistan 's Surgical Industry has a 100 year history and is known in the world. The Minister assured the representatives of Surgical Industry that Government will help the industry in its expansion and up gradation plans. The Minister asked the TUSDEC and the SWOG to come back with in a month with a plan for the skill development and up gradation of the Surgical Industry.
He also told the meeting that the Ministry of Science and Technology will also be involved in the whole process so that their expertise can also be used in development of the Surgical Industry.