Islamabad: Federal Ministers Mustafa Kamal and Shaza Fatima Khawaja convened to explore the integration of information technology into Pakistan’s healthcare system, aiming to enhance access and efficiency across the nation.

During the discussions, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal emphasized the critical role of technology in addressing healthcare challenges posed by Pakistan’s growing population and limited medical infrastructure. He highlighted telemedicine as a key solution to bring healthcare services directly to underserved and remote areas, allowing patients to consult with expert doctors from their homes.

Minister Kamal also addressed the strain on major hospitals, noting that a significant portion of patients should receive care at primary healthcare centers. The lack of basic health units, he explained, is pushing patients to tertiary facilities, thereby increasing the load on these hospitals and stretching their resources.

A major initiative discussed was the implementation of a universal medical record system, termed ‘One Patient, One ID.’ This system would assign each patient a unique Medical Record number, enabling healthcare providers nationwide to access medical histories as needed.

Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja assured the health sector of her ministry’s support in integrating digital technologies to improve healthcare service delivery. She emphasized the Ministry of IT’s commitment to facilitating these advancements for better accessibility.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to utilize digital innovation to close healthcare gaps and ensure equitable access to quality medical care for all citizens.