Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced the construction of a vaccine ecosystem technology tower, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter in developing the knowledge-based health system.

The president, a working surgeon, has backed the medical industry in the country more than any previous administration lead with large funds now directed to the sector. 

Pezeshkian said the tower's construction would enable Iran's active entry into the frontiers of knowledge and presence at the cutting edge of science in the vaccine sector, IRNA reported on July 28.

According to the announcement, a secretariat comprising faculty members from reputable universities will be established to provide scientific, technical and structural guidance for the project.

The president emphasised the government's serious commitment to advancing the country's scientific development and the necessity of purposefully utilising young elites' capacity both domestically and abroad.

The vaccine ecosystem organisation plan was reviewed and evaluated during a specialised meeting chaired by Pezeshkian, focusing on creating new infrastructure under the "Vaccine Ecosystem Technology Tower" title.

The meeting addressed designing and implementing a coherent, integrated network of active vaccine-making institutions, including the Razi Research and Production Institute, Pasteur Institute of Iran, and knowledge-based private companies as the backbone of the vaccine ecosystem.

Key objectives include creating conditions to attract and utilise domestic elites, facilitating the return of Iranian specialists and elites residing abroad, developing the country's research and technological capacity, and transforming Iran into a regional vaccine production and biomedical research hub.

The plan includes constructing the world's first vaccine ecosystem tower and high-rise laboratory as a symbol of the country's scientific and biological progress, with the potential to become an international reference and excellence centre in vaccine production.

Pezeshkian stressed the necessity of providing prerequisites and mechanisms for beginning the executive operations of this national project.

He said the matter would be reviewed by the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution, with final approval to be placed on the council's agenda due to the project's strategic importance and scientific nature.