Minister urges protected national health data network as HSA gains global recognition
ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for National Health Services Dr Mukhtar Bharath has felicitated the Health Services Academy (HSA) on being recognised as a global centre of excellence, while underlining the importance of a secure and integrated national digital health system.
Speaking at the 16th Annual International Public Health Conference 2026 at the Health Services Academy in Islamabad, the minister said the government was working to put in place a national health information system for the safe exchange of health data between federal and provincial authorities.
Dr Mukhtar said data-sharing agreements had already been signed with Sindh and Balochistan, adding that similar arrangements would be pursued with other provinces and territories.
He said the Ministry of Health was preparing a proposed Health Security Act aimed at protecting health data, ensuring privacy and promoting its responsible use. The proposed law, he added, would create a legal framework for sharing health information among the federation, provinces and territories.
The minister said effective digital health systems required more than the collection of data, stressing the need for accuracy, reliability and interoperability. He also described data protection and the ethical use of artificial intelligence as key requirements for digital healthcare.
Dr Mukhtar said technology could transform healthcare delivery and urged the Health Services Academy to train healthcare professionals with modern digital skills.
The conference was held under the theme “Digital Health Innovations for Better Health Outcomes” and focused on technological innovation and its role in improving public health services.
