https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Aug 7 (Alliance News): Speakers at a high-level webinar organized by the Alliance Good Governance Foundation urged the government and stakeholders to ramp up investment in technology-based healthcare infrastructure, calling it “the need of the hour” to bridge Pakistan’s growing gap in medical access, service efficiency, and rural-urban disparity.
The webinar, titled “Investment in Pakistan’s HealthTech, Pharma, and Hospitals: Challenges and Opportunities,” brought together renowned health professionals, researchers, and policy advocates to discuss how innovation is transforming the sector—and where critical gaps remain.
The Alliance initiative aimed to sensitize the public, highlight sectoral challenges, and recommend practical policy reforms to ensure a more inclusive, data-driven, and technologically supported healthcare system in Pakistan.
Innovation at the Heart of Health Transformation: Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed
In his keynote remarks, Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, a leading health professional with degrees in MBBS and MS (Microbiology and Genetics), emphasized the central role of telemedicine and artificial intelligence (AI) in modern healthcare demands.
“Telemedicine is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity, especially for remote areas,” Dr. Imtiaz stated. “The rise of AI diagnostic centers is a timely response to Pakistan’s growing patient needs, especially where human resources are limited.”
He stressed that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) can significantly improve rural healthcare delivery by creating efficient infrastructure, smart diagnostics, and localized healthcare services.
However, he pointed out the need for proper regulation of the pharmaceutical industry, which remains fragmented and largely unmonitored in several regions.
Dr. Imtiaz further recommended that the government bridge the rural-urban health divide by offering incentives, facilities, and financial perks to healthcare professionals who agree to serve in underdeveloped or remote areas.
Strengthening Health Policy Through Data and Legislation: Dr. Sheraz Ahmed
Echoing similar views, Dr. Sheraz Ahmed, another well-known healthcare expert, highlighted the transformative potential of data-driven healthcare systems, innovation in diagnostics, and the need for targeted health policy legislation.
He argued that without robust policy frameworks to support emerging technologies, innovation may remain limited to urban centers and private clinics.
“Technology is only useful when it’s integrated into a strong, equitable health system,” Dr. Sheraz said. “We must use digital health records, AI tools, and analytics to inform national health planning.”
He also reinforced the importance of PPP models, stating that collaboration between government and private healthcare stakeholders is key to expanding infrastructure, especially in rural and semi-urban districts.
Focus on Rural Areas, Women, and Inclusivity: Husna Khattak
Husna Khattak, a prominent voice on women’s health, shared concerns over the persistent neglect of rural communities, especially women, in healthcare reforms.
“We cannot build a healthy nation without addressing the needs of rural populations, especially women, who are often left behind,” Husna emphasized. “Technology offers us tools, but only if we ensure access, awareness, and empowerment.”
She called for increased awareness campaigns targeting rural women, mobile diagnostic units, and health education programs backed by digital platforms.
“Women need attention and dignity in healthcare, and tech-based solutions can support that if deployed with purpose.”
Innovation as a Driver of Systemic Change: Uneesa Saeed and Naba Mansoor
Uneesa Saeed and Naba Mansoor, both speakers and healthcare advocates, emphasized how innovation is reshaping Pakistan’s health sector.
They highlighted the emergence of AI, wearable health monitors, digital record-keeping, and virtual consultations as signs of rapid change.
“The health sector in Pakistan is at a turning point,” said Uneesa. “Innovation is not just about machines and software—it’s about reaching the last mile, saving lives, and making services affordable.”
Naba Mansoor underlined how hospitals and pharmaceutical companies can also benefit from adopting tech-based systems. From automated diagnostics to blockchain-based supply chain tracking, innovation can improve both efficiency and transparency in service delivery.
Challenges That Demand Policy Attention
While acknowledging the progress, the speakers did not shy away from pointing out persistent challenges that continue to plague Pakistan’s healthcare system.
These include the lack of proper infrastructure in rural clinics and hospitals, underfunded public health programs, and outdated technologies that hinder service delivery.
The shortage of trained healthcare professionals, coupled with low digital health literacy, further compounds the issue. Moreover, weak regulation in the pharmaceutical sector and the country’s over-dependence on imported drugs have raised serious concerns.
There are also limited incentives for healthcare professionals to serve in remote and underserved areas, contributing to healthcare disparities.
The panelists emphasized that without long-term investment and forward-looking policies, these problems would continue to obstruct the path to universal healthcare.
They urged the government to focus on sustainable infrastructure development, enact legislation that encourages innovation, and strengthen regulatory mechanisms for the pharmaceutical industry to ensure affordability, quality, and accessibility.
Recommendations from the Panel
In their presentations, the experts proposed a multi-pronged approach to reform and modernize Pakistan’s healthcare system.
First, they called for the rapid expansion of telemedicine and AI-powered diagnostic tools in underserved regions, enabling remote consultations and early disease detection.
They also suggested that hospitals, particularly those at district and tehsil levels, should be redesigned to support technology-friendly services and digital workflows.
Establishing a national digital health registry was another key recommendation, aimed at unifying patient records across the country for better treatment coordination and long-term planning.
To combat the chronic shortage of professionals in rural settings, the panel suggested offering performance-based incentives and career growth opportunities for doctors and paramedics willing to serve in marginalized areas.
Public-private partnerships were seen as vital for scaling up health infrastructure rapidly. By leveraging private sector innovation and funding, the government can fill existing gaps more efficiently.
On the pharmaceutical front, the experts insisted on regulating local manufacturing and imports, aligning with global safety and quality standards to protect the public.
A Call to Action: Dr Tariq Khan
In the closing remarks, Convenor of Alliance Good Governance, Dr Tariq Khan stated that technology must be viewed as a “powerful equalizer” in Pakistan’s healthcare system.
However, he cautioned that its potential can only be fully realized when paired with inclusive policy-making, institutional transparency, and a people-centric approach.
“We cannot afford to treat healthcare as a luxury. It is a right—and we must act now to ensure it is accessible, efficient, and technology-enabled for all Pakistanis,” he said passionately, drawing applause from participants.
The event concluded with a collective commitment from the panel to continue engaging with stakeholders, holding further dialogues with government bodies, and advocating for urgent reforms in health financing, innovation, and access.
The message was clear: the time for discussion is over—Pakistan must act now to build a tech-enabled, inclusive healthcare system that leaves no one behind.
