11 April 2019 – The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination of Pakistan, in collaboration with WHO, convened a consultative meeting to develop provincial roadmaps and a health information system action plan in Islamabad, Pakistan on 25-27 February, 2019. The development of both the roadmaps and action plan are based on the results of two previous WHO technical missions to Pakistan to identify areas to improve and move towards a unified system, strengthen coordination among various systems and stakeholders, along with strengthening the capacity of the staff in data collection, analysis, information, information transmission, used and dissemination.

The objective of the workshop is to develop the provincial roadmaps to further strengthen the DHIS and develop its linkages with the federal level and provincial level. Developing roadmaps facilitates the necessary linkages, standardization and integration of health data to create robust overarching health information system and provide a foundation for measuring performance and outcomes linked to healthcare.

The Consultative meeting was inaugurated by Dr. Samra Mazhar, Deputy Director-Program-II Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination highlighted that dynamic, robust, responsive and efficient health information system is basic pre-requisite for the effective functioning of the healthcare delivery system. She also mentioned formulating the provincial roadmaps for the strengthening health information system in Pakistan is a very timely activity. Proper monitoring of MoNHSR&C action plan (2018-2023) would require strengthening of our national subnational achievements towards achieving the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals. The roadmaps would help in harmonizing all our efforts for improving the health of Pakistan.  Dr. Jamal Nasher and his team from WHO Pakistan formally welcomed the distinguished guest participants from all the provinces, regions and development partners.

The Consultative meeting was concluding by Dr. Waheed Lashari Assistant Director Program-I MoNHSR&C and discussed that draft action plan would be shared with all stakeholder, health department partners for their review and feedback. After the review, action plan would be finalized and a costed plan will be prepared accordingly to the provincial and regional specific needs.