Health Data Policy

Project Abstract
Digital health data is becoming an integral part of health priorities. While the world is speedily
turning toward innovations and technological advancements to aid in the field of health, Pakistan
is far behind in the use of digital platforms and electronic records. With a habitat of over 224
million people and the fifth largest country in the world, there is a dire need to formulate a
national digital health strategy and framework in consultation with all relevant stakeholders to
digitize the healthcare sector in Pakistan strategically. Although Pakistan's public and private
sectors have made some efforts to promote digital health, significant effort is still needed to
develop electronic medical records that are linked with diagnostics and treatment registries.
Statement of need
Capacity building in producing accurate data is improving fast as the health care systems are
increasingly adopting information technologies. Many countries stand out with meaningful
progress and innovative practices, including privacy-protective practices; others are struggling
with insufficient data and restrictions on access and the use of data. According to a survey,
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Israel, South Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, and
the United Kingdom are leading the world with the most significant data, maturity, and use.
(Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2015)).
Pakistan has one of the poorest digital health indicators. Its health information systems have
inadequate governance, coverage, and utilization that vary in provinces. Despite some ongoing
initiatives, the digital health ecosystem is facing severe barriers. Some of the key challenges
include( https://phkh.nhsrc.pk/sites/default/files/2022-06/National%20Digital%20Health
%20Framework%20Pakistan%202022-30.pdf ): -
a. Lack of infrastructure for digital health, including the availability of smartphones, high-
speed internet, and computer devices.
b. Inadequate capacity to incorporate digital health interventions in primary/secondary and
tertiary-level health facilities.
c. Lack of funds and budget for scale-up digital health interventions. There is a high budget
requirement for developing infrastructure, software, servers, and human resources.
d. Most digital health projects and interventions are fragmented and need interoperability
between various systems and databases, which is insufficient.
e. There is low human resource capacity for digital health at all levels due to low e-literacy and
lack of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees /courses on digital health. It has inadequately
qualified staff for handling and leading digital health interventions.
f. Data storage and retention of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) are of poor quality.
Program Description. There is a strong need for the standardization of digital health projects in
the country. Pakistan is looking for the solutions to: -
a. Enhancing access to information and services and their affordability with communication
tools that allow patients to avail lifesaving advice and referral to care.
b. Healthcare providers are enabled to promote prompt quality service delivery through
tech-enabled primary care, efficient referral, clinical decision support system, and
appropriate training.
c. Data services providing user-friendly platforms to enhance policy decision-making in the
prevention of diseases.
d. Building capacity for digital health at all levels of health service delivery and creation of
sustainable and robust governance structures. Promoting standards for safety, privacy,
interoperability, confidentiality, and ethical use of data.
Relevant ongoing initiatives and existing resources
The health sector in Pakistan is making efforts to adapt/strengthen digital health solutions by
2030, yet the coverage of health information systems varies in provinces. The Health
Information System of Punjab operates in the public sector facilities at the community, primary,
and secondary levels through the provision of an android-based E-vaccination application.
Twenty-six notifiable diseases are reported on a daily basis. No electronic medical record exists
in Sindh except in private centers, i.e., Aga Khan University and Indus hospitals. Various data
sources operate in KPK using the DHIS and come from primary and secondary health facilities.
The system has minimal convergence for checking duplication and inconsistencies. Data
collection facilities are also operative in Baluchistan for reporting from Primary Healthcare to
the district level ((Gulzar, 2017)).
The underutilization of the information collected in provinces is a significant weakness in our
healthcare system. The data needs to be combined in vertical systems for use at all levels in the
country. Enhanced management of health information is thus necessary to achieve better health
outcomes in Pakistan. Evidence-based decision-making will only be realized if our country has a
functional and comprehensive HIS.
Management
The program will be governed by the Health Data Policy Division created by the Health Services
Academy (HSA) Islamabad. It will comprise: -.
Designation Geographic Location Role

Executive Director HSA Islamabad Administration, Monitoring,

and Evaluation of the Project
Chief Information Officer HSA Islamabad Operations and Management
Representatives from the Ministry of Ministry of National Health Provisioning of data and
Health Services Regulation & National Guidelines
 Coordination, Islamabad
Representatives from Provincial All Provinces Provisioning of data and
Health Departments Provincial Guidelines
Programs Representatives All Provinces Provisioning of data

Member Chemonics NIH Islamabad Provisioning of data &

Technical Support
International
Members of the Donors Project Objectives and
financing

All will be hired with a greater focus on expertise in health administration, health informatics,
data analysis, data architecture, software engineering, and cyber security to work on digital
interventions in mental health treatment.
STAKEHOLDERS
The main stakeholders are the Ministry of National Health Services, Provincial Health
Departments, Donors, and the Public. The stakeholders would be requested to commit competent
representation in the program. The public version of the program will be made available online
for the interest of researchers, media, and subject matter experts.
The Impact
Once the objectives are met, Pakistan will be in a better position for efficient governance, care
delivery, and systems that are more productive and sustainable. The progress reports generated
through the program will be regularly presented at the monitoring forum and shared with the
decision-makers and the stakeholders for optimizing resource utilization. Training of the
professionals and the affiliated workforce will add efficiency to this initiative and directly lead to
the well-being of 240 million people in Pakistan.
The Objective
 Building the knowledge and skills required for each aspect of EHR use.
 Enhancing governance skills, equipment management, healthcare data storage,
interpretation literacy, and usage.
Budget
Detailed budget covering costs associated with the project, including personnel, technology
development or acquisition, training, and dissemination: -
1. Curriculum Development
 Content Creation: Development of training modules covering essential digital health
topics, i.e., electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine, digital health ethics, data
 privacy, cybersecurity, programming, fundamental data analysis and interpretation etc.$
10000
 Expert Consultation: Digital health expert consultation for the preparation of the
curriculum. $ 10000
 Continuous Improvement: Budget for revising and updating the training program based
on evaluation outcomes and technological advancements in the field. $10000
2. Training Delivery
 Instructor Fees: Hiring of instructors with professional expertise in digital health, IT,
and academics. $50000
 Technology Platforms: Online learning platforms. $20000
3. Infrastructure and Equipment. Hardware and Software will include digital health tools and
software for hands-on training, including computers, tablets, intelligent cell phones, and relevant
applications. $50000
4. Logistics. Budget for travel, transport, accommodation, and daily allowances for participants
attending in-person training sessions, especially those from remote areas. $50000
5. Contingency Fund. $ 100000
 Unexpected Costs: Budget for unforeseen expenses or challenges that may arise during
the implementation of the training program.
 Expansion Plans: Budget for reaching more healthcare professionals and adapting to
emerging digital health technologies.
 Partnerships and Collaborations: Consider investing in partnerships with educational
institutions, private sector entities, and international organizations to enhance training
resources and sustainability.