ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, during a visit to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Chairman’s office, announced plans to introduce an MR number system for patient data in Pakistan. This system will allow access to a patient’s medical records from anywhere in the country at any time.
According to a spokesperson from the Federal Ministry of Health, Minister Kamal visited NADRA Chairman Lieutenant General Muhammad Munir Afsar’s office.
He noted that Pakistan’s health system lacks comprehensive patient medical history data and said steps are being taken to address this. The MR number will be linked to the national identity card number.
The minister stated that NADRA, which holds Pakistan’s largest database, will enable this system to ensure medical records are accessible nationwide.
He said that promoting digital health can make the healthcare system more effective and sustainable, urging the inclusion of digital health in national policies.
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Kamal also said that 70% of people seek treatment at large hospitals instead of primary health centers. The Ministry of Health and NADRA will work together to bring healthcare services, including telemedicine, to people’s doorsteps, ensuring doctors and medicines are accessible.
In other news, NADRA has discontinued identity card services at post offices across Pakistan due to low usage and lack of public awareness.
Three years ago, NADRA partnered with Pakistan Post under a 10-year agreement to offer services like identity card renewals, address updates, and marital status changes at general post offices in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. However, these services have now been formally closed.
