Medical records to be linked with CNICs under new digital health system
Ministry of Health and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) are joining forces to launch a nationwide digital health system that links medical records with national identity cards.
The initiative, named 'One Patient One ID', will use an individual's Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) number as their permanent Medical Record (MR) number, accessible at healthcare facilities across the country.
The plan was reviewed in a meeting chaired by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and NADRA Chairman Lt Gen Mohammad Munir Afsar.
'There is currently no proper data system for patient records in Pakistan,' Kamal said. 'Now, the CNIC will act as the MR number nationwide.'
He added that the move is expected to improve healthcare delivery and expand telemedicine services. 'Doctors and medicines will reach people at their homes through telemedicine,' Kamal said, underlining the growing role of digital healthcare.
The minister also stressed that pressure on major hospitals is rising, with 70% of patients bypassing local clinics and basic health units.
He called for better decentralised systems to manage the country's growing population and healthcare demands.
Moreover, the decision has been welcomed as a landmark reform by the country's medical and research community.
The Health Research Advisory Board (HealthRAB) called the move a 'historic milestone' for healthcare data governance in Pakistan.
Prof Abdul Basit, a leading diabetologist and Chairman of HealthRAB, praised Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and NADRA Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Munir Afsar for what he termed a 'visionary, game-changing move' for Pakistan's health sector.
'By declaring the CNIC as the universal medical record number, Pakistan is making a leap towards integrated, patient-centric care,' Prof Basit said.
He noted the system would help detect undiagnosed cases, particularly of silent diseases like diabetes and hypertension, while improving evidence-based policymaking.
Prof Basit stressed the importance of this digital health integration for research and disease surveillance. 'For the first time, we will be able to build real-time databases for chronic and lifestyle-related conditions,' he said, adding that it would strengthen preventive and primary care while easing pressure on large hospitals.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
an hour ago
- Business Recorder
PMDC has designated 30 venues to conduct nationwide MDCAT on Oct 5: president
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has designated over 30 venues for conducting Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) scheduled for October 5, 2025, nationwide to facilitate candidates and ensure accessibility. This was stated by PMDC President Prof Dr Rizwan Taj, while briefing Federal Minister for National Health Services and Regulations Mustafa Kamal,during his visit to the PMDC. The minister was also briefed on the deployment of modern digital safeguards to further enhance the security and integrity of the MDCAT process. He also inspected the online registration and monitoring portal, and was informed that 97,028 candidates have already registered till now, with this total, it is expected to reach over 150,000 candidates before the closure of registrations. The minister also inaugurated the newly-developed MDCAT Question Bank at the PMDC and emphasised that no lapses should occur in the upcoming MDCAT examination preparations. He appreciated that the introduction of the new question bank would be instrumental in minimising errors, enhancing fairness, and strengthening public confidence in the evaluation process. The briefing outlined the extensive measures being undertaken to ensure transparency, security, and fairness in the conduct of the MDCAT exam. During the presentation, the minister was informed by the president that PMDC's role is limited to registering candidates and providing overall supervision of the MDCAT process. The actual conduct of the examination, including paper setting, administration, and evaluation, is the sole responsibility of the designated public admitting universities. The PMDC clarified that beyond candidate registration and oversight, it does not interfere in operational matters, thereby, ensuring impartiality and merit-based admissions. Commending the PMDC's efforts, Kamal appreciated the development of a comprehensive question bank based on a common syllabus agreed upon by all provinces and suggested that the PMDC may consider expanding the pool of questions provided to admitting universities to allow greater flexibility in preparing the MDCAT paper. He underscored the importance of clearly delegating responsibility to provincial admitting universities, ensuring transparency and accountability at every stage. He added that despite several challenges, Pakistan's education system remains among the best when compared with many other countries. He emphasised that the primary role of PMDC is to develop and provide a uniform policy for MDCAT, while the actual conduct and management of the exam is the responsibility of the provincial public medical universities. Reaffirming his commitment, Kamal assured full government support to strengthen PMDC's institutional capacity, digitalisation, and governance reforms. He emphasised that these initiatives are aligned with the government's broader vision of uplifting Pakistan's health and education sectors. The minister was also briefed on logistical arrangements, provincial coordination, and technology-driven solutions aimed at minimising errors and ensuring a smooth examination process. Dr Taj reiterated that PMDC has spared no effort to uphold merit and excellence, implementing reforms that not only strengthen the credibility of MDCAT but also restore public trust in the admissions system. Highlighting the significance of the newly-developed standardised syllabus-based question bank, Dr Taj said that it addresses long-standing concerns regarding regional disparities, creating a level playing field and ensuring merit-based admissions nationwide. Briefing the federal minister on other organisational matters, the president PMDC received valuable guidance. Kamal suggested that detailed presentations be prepared on ongoing issues to establish a comprehensive framework for the future. He emphasised the urgent need for a fully digitised system for colleges, inspections, and related functions, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and minimal human interaction across all PMDC domains. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Minister admits pharma firms colluded to hike drug prices
Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal has admitted that after deregulation, some pharmaceutical firms have reportedly colluded to raise prices of medicines. Kamal was speaking on Thursday at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services and Regulations. According to the federal minister, medicines were deregulated to create an atmosphere of competition. However, the committee chairman, Senator Sajjad Hussain Turi, remarked that after deregulation, pharmaceutical companies have turned into cartels. The minister acknowledged that deregulation was not a final step and could be reviewed. He admitted receiving reports that pharmaceutical companies had colluded to raise prices. He further conceded that the price of a medicine previously costing Rs7 has now risen to Rs70, and that the purpose of deregulation had not been achieved. "Medicine prices have not come down; in fact, all prices have gone up," Kamal added. DRAP Chief Executive Officer Dr Obaidullah also briefed the members. He said a survey on medicine price increases is being conducted, and a report on price hikes of 190 types of medicines will be available in September. According to reports published on August 11, the government has decided to establish a new regulatory body responsible for setting the prices of essential medicines, a task previously managed by DRAP. This move is part of broader health sector reforms aimed at streamlining the federal health ministry, according to officials from the Ministry of National Health Services. The decision to relieve DRAP of its price-setting duties follows the caretaker government's earlier deregulation of non-essential medicine prices. The new body will assume responsibility for regulating the prices of approximately 500 essential medicines.
Business Recorder
08-08-2025
- Business Recorder
Better access to childhood cancer treatment
EDITORIAL: Pakistan has recently signed an agreement with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to participate in the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer, an initiative designed to enhance the availability and accessibility of life-saving treatments for children battling cancer. With approximately 8,000 children diagnosed annually, this agreement is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of young patients and their families. At the signing event, WHO Representative in Pakistan, Dr Dapeng Luo, emphasised the importance of the collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners, including UNICEF — which will be responsible for the procurement and distribution of medicines — adding that 'no child is to be left behind, no matter where they live or who they are.' One of the most encouraging aspects of this agreement is the provision of quality-assured, free medicines, which could greatly increase the survival rate of children diagnosed with cancer. Access to cancer treatment, particularly for paediatric patients, remains a critical challenge in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries like Pakistan, where the cost of treatment can be prohibitively high for most families. In many countries, the lack of affordable healthcare is one of the primary reasons behind significantly lower cancer survival rates. In Pakistan, for instance, the current survival rate for children with cancer, as per official figures, stands at 30 percent, far below the 80 percent survival rate in high-income countries. The federal health ministry has expressed the hope that by 2030 the survival rate for children in Pakistan could increase to 60 percent. That is possible only if access to quality treatment becomes more widespread and affordable. Our participation in the Global Platform represents a vital opportunity for thousands of families who would otherwise be unable to afford cancer treatment. However, along with the provision of free medicines, it is essential to raise public awareness about the availability of these resources. The new initiative must be effectively communicated so that families in need can take full advantage of its support. There are other successful public health initiatives that Pakistan can learn from. In Africa, for example, 25 countries have introduced the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention with the support of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance — a public-private global health partnership. It has saved millions of lives by preventing cervical cancer, a disease that disproportionately affects women in low- and- middle-income countries. HPV vaccination has proven to be one of the most effective ways for reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. Pakistan should also seriously consider integrating the HPV vaccine into its national vaccination programme, focusing on girls and young women. The success of the HPV vaccination initiative in Africa serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when governments, international organisations, and health initiatives work together to tackle preventable diseases. By replicating such programmes, Pakistan can make significant strides in cancer prevention and treatment, potentially saving thousands of lives. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
