PESHAWAR: The Khyber Medical University General Hospital and Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC) have decided to integrate their data systems through the Health Information Management System to improve patient care by improving service exchange between the two public sector institutions.

KMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Ziaul Haq emphasised the importance of this collaboration, stating that the partnership between the institutions was not only essential for their growth but it would also provide high quality clinical services to patients, according to an official statement issued here on Wednesday.

He further highlighted that KMU had established itself as a leading institution in medical education and research, and by incorporating clinical services it was taking a vital step towards merging research with patient care.

“KMU General Hospital will provide specialised services in diabetes, oncology, gastroenterology, and rehabilitation, with the potential to develop into a premier healthcare centre for the region,” he said.

Prof Haq also mentioned that PIC and KMU General Hospital could jointly establish a successful healthcare model, leveraging PIC’s expertise to enhance service delivery.

“The exchange of knowledge, expertise, research, and resources between the two institutions will bring significant improvements in patient treatment,” he said.

“The financial model of this collaboration will be guided by PIC’s successful systems, and expertise in civil work, technical services, clinical operations, finance, human resources, and diagnostics will play a crucial role in improving KMU hospital’s services,” Prof Haq said.

He announced that in the next phase, KMU’s nine remote campuses would also be linked with General Hospital, ensuring that healthcare services reached remote areas of the province.

PIC medical director Prof Syed Shahkar Ahmed Shah reaffirmed his institution’s commitment to this collaboration, stating, “Our doors are always open for cooperation and guidance. By formulating short, medium, and long-term strategies, KMU General Hospital and PIC can effectively achieve their shared goals.”

Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2025