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LAHORE, Oct 17 (APP):Punjab Minister for Health and Population Department Khawaja Imran Nazir has termed the Community Health Inspector (CHI) initiative as a landmark project and emphasized the need for inter-provincial coordination to strengthen Pakistan’s health system.
He expressed these views while addressing the “Health Data in Action – Provincial Learning Exchange” event hosted by the National Health Support Program (NHSP), Punjab, at a local hotel on Friday, where he was the chief guest. The event brought together provincial health teams, policymakers, and development partners to promote data-driven health planning and improve primary healthcare delivery.
Khawaja Imran Nazir said that data-driven governance is key to transforming primary healthcare and ensuring equitable access to quality services across Punjab. He added that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has declared health and education as her top priorities and that there are no financial constraints in the health sector. “If we are committed to work hard and deliver more, there will be no hurdles in our way,” he added.
The minister urged the Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Mustafa Kamal, to organize such coordination meetings regularly. Extending an open invitation to other provinces, he said, “The doors of Punjab’s Health Department are open for everyone. We are ready to learn from each other’s experiences to bring meaningful reforms in the health sector.”
He also highlighted the critical role of health data in identifying gaps, improving service delivery, and guiding future planning. Appreciating NHSP Punjab’s efforts, the minister lauded the program for creating a valuable platform that brings together all provinces under one roof to exchange experiences and learn from each other.
The event featured opening remarks by Dr. Jahanzeb Hussain, Additional Secretary Admin/PD-NHSP Punjab, and Jahanzaib Sohail from the World Bank, followed by a keynote address by Karin Lane Gichuhi (GFF) on shifting from routine reporting to effective data use.
Provincial presentations from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Punjab showcased innovative models integrating DHIS2, MIS, LMIS, and other health information systems to enhance decision-making and service delivery.
Sessions were moderated by Saadiya Razzaq (GFF), Supriya Madhavan (GFF), and Maham Ashfaq (GAVI), while Irfan Shah (Gates Foundation) led technical breakout discussions on operationalizing the PHC dashboard. A plenary session, moderated by Chris Wolff (Gates Foundation), brought together Directors General of Health Services from all three provinces to chart the way forward for inter-provincial collaboration.
The event concluded with appreciation for Punjab HISDU’s digital health initiatives and a renewed commitment to turning health data into actionable strategies for a stronger and more responsive health system.