The Ministry of Health is working on a new system titled ‘One Patient One ID’, aimed at giving healthcare providers nationwide access to a patient’s complete medical history using a single identifier.
Under this initiative, a citizen’s Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) number will serve as their permanent Medical Record (MR) number, allowing their health data to be accessible from anywhere across the country.
“There is currently no proper data system for patient records in Pakistan,” Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said. “Now, the CNIC will act as the MR number across the country.”
He added that this move will help improve healthcare delivery, especially by enabling telemedicine services. “Doctors and medicines will reach people at their homes through telemedicine,” he said, stressing the importance of modern technology in healthcare.
Kamal noted that due to the growing population, hospitals are under pressure. “Around 70% of people go to large hospitals instead of basic health units,” he said, pointing out the need for better systems and decentralised care.