ISLAMABAD: The health ministry and Nadra are working on a plan to introduce ‘One Patient One ID’ system which will enable access to a patient’s medical record from anywhere in Pakistan at any time will be possible.

Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal held a special meeting with Nadra Chairman Lt Gen Mohammad Munir Afsar on Wednesday to discuss the different aspects of the new system, ‘One Patient One ID’.

“The national identity card number will now serve as the MR number,” said Mustafa Kamal.

He said there was no comprehensive data available on patients’ medical history in Pakistan’s health system.

“We are introducing a single MR number across Pakistan and the national identity card number would now serve as the MR number,” the minister said, adding that it must be noted that Nadra is Pakistan’s largest data bank.

He said the Ministry of Health and Nadra would work together to deliver healthcare services at people’s doorsteps.

“Through telemedicine, doctors and medicines will be brought to patients’ doorsteps,” Mr Kamal said, adding that “utilising modern technology is the need of the hour”.

He said due to increasing population and pressure on medical services, healthcare centres were under stress.

“70pc of people go to large hospitals for treatment instead of visiting basic health units,” he added.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2025