ISLAMABAD, Oct 21 (ABC): Minister of State for National Health Services Dr Mukhtar Bharath has said the government is working to establish a national health information system to enable the secure exchange of health data between federal and provincial authorities.
Addressing the 16th Annual International Public Health Conference 2026 at the Health Services Academy (HSA) in Islamabad, he said data-sharing agreements had been signed with Sindh and Balochistan, while similar arrangements would be pursued with other provinces and territories.
The minister congratulated HSA on its recognition as a global centre of excellence and emphasised the need for a secure and integrated national digital health system.
He said the Ministry of Health was developing a proposed Health Security Act to ensure the protection, privacy and responsible use of health data. The proposed legislation would provide a legal framework for sharing health information between the federation, provinces and territories.
Dr Mukhtar stressed that successful digital health systems required more than data collection. He called for accuracy, reliability and interoperability to ensure that different systems could exchange and use information effectively.
He also highlighted data protection and the ethical use of artificial intelligence as essential components of digital healthcare.
The minister said technology had the potential to transform healthcare delivery and urged HSA to equip healthcare professionals with modern digital skills.
Held under the theme “Digital Health Innovations for Better Health Outcomes”, the conference focused on technological innovation and its role in improving public health services.
