ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Health Dr Mukhtar Bharath on Tuesday said the government was working on establishing a national health information system (NHIS) to facilitate a secure exchange of health data between federal and provincial authorities.

He was addressing the 16th Annual International Public Health Conference 2026 at the Health Services Academy (HSA).

The minister congratulated the HSA on its recognition as a global centre of excellence, emphasising the need for a secure and integrated national digital health system.

He said data-sharing agreements had been signed with Sindh and Balochistan, while similar arrangements would be pursued with other provinces and territories.

Dr Bharath said the health ministry was developing a proposed Health Security Act to ensure protection, privacy and responsible use of health data.

The legislation would provide a legal framework for sharing health information between the federation, provinces and territories.

The state minister stressed that successful digital health systems required more than data collection, calling for accuracy, reliability and interoperability.

He also highlighted data protection and the ethical use of artificial intelligence as essential components of digital healthcare.

The conference, held under the theme ‘Digital Health Innovations for Better Health Outcomes’, brought the focus on technological innovation and its role in improving public health services.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2026