A new institution, the Pakistan Center for Digital Health (PCDH), has been established to enhance digital health, telemedicine, and AI integration in Pakistan's healthcare system. This initiative, backed by the Ministry of National Health Services, aims to improve healthcare delivery, especially in underserved areas.
The PCDH was formed through a memorandum of understanding between Digital Health Pakistan and the Health Services Academy, with key health officials in attendance. This center is a response to the growing adoption of telemedicine and digital health technologies in Pakistan, which have become increasingly vital for efficient healthcare access and data-driven services.
Focusing on five main areas—policy support, advocacy, capacity building, digital health projects, and research—the center aims to create a collaborative platform that connects government bodies, academia, and technology experts. Proposed initiatives include professional training, certifications in digital health and AI, and innovation challenges to foster a robust digital health framework.
This development is a significant achievement for Prof. Dr. Zakiuddin Ahmed, a pioneer in telemedicine in Pakistan, who has been advocating for digital health for nearly three decades. Despite rapid advancements, experts emphasize the need for improved coordination and a comprehensive national digital health strategy to address existing challenges in the sector. The PCDH is seen as a crucial step toward bridging these gaps and modernizing Pakistan’s healthcare landscape.