Rapid transformation of technology has brought a significant advancement in health sector: Dr. Nadeem Jan
ISLAMABAD, Dec 31 (SABAH): Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan presides two-day national conference on Integrated Approach for Evidence Based Public Health and Role of National Health Data Center-calls for Data harmonization to ensure better decision making for benefit of the masses.
Dr. Nadeem Jan said this important platform has provided us an opportunity to explore the avenues for all health related data sources and build consensus and set up modalities for future collaboration, which will foster the process of integration. The ultimate goal is to use the digital technology for harmonization and integration of health related in order to improve the health status and well-being of our people.
The Minister said rapid transformation of technology has brought a significant advancement in health sector. In this era of technological advancements health sector is capturing the huge amount of data through multiple sources, however ironically these data sets and system interoperability is limited. We are committed to develop an integrated system to break the silos. By doing so we will be definitely moving to right direction by transforming the data in to knowledge for evidence based decision making in order to improve our health indicators. Currently we are facing multiple challenges including data fragmentation, interoperability issues, and privacy concerns and there is need of robust data governance program. The availability of quality, reliable, valid and comprehensive data has the power to transform the way we approach healthcare delivery, research, and policy-making. It holds the key to unlocking new insights, enabling evidence-based decision-making, and ultimately, saving lives Dr. Nadeem Jan said.
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has established the National Health Data Center under NIH with mandate to align fragmented health data under one central digital repository. It is worth mentioning that NHDC has done remarkable work during COVID-19 pandemic and floods, still committed to expand and strengthen the national surveillance system. NIH being technical arm of ministry has always stood in front and coordinated and supported provinces/regions in best possible manner during any emergency of national or international concern. Ministry is fully committed to provide all out support to NHDC being one of the seven institutes of NIH under 2021 re-organization Act.