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