Transforming Population Welfare in Punjab: IT-based initiatives take centre stage

LAHORE: In a bid to revolutionize population welfare services and enhance outreach across Punjab, Pakistan, the Population Welfare Department has embarked on a groundbreaking journey by introducing IT-based initiatives. These initiatives aim to leverage technology to improve data management, service delivery, and overall effectiveness in addressing reproductive health needs.

One of the key areas of focus is the digitisation of data management processes. Through the adoption of electronic record-keeping systems, the department aims to streamline data collection, storage, and analysis. This will enable more accurate tracking of population demographics, fertility rates, and contraceptive usage patterns, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation.

The Population Welfare Department has been working on the digitisation of service provisioning and client registration across Punjab through various IT-based initiatives developed in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board. The digitisation of processes also includes the automation of administrative processes and monitoring of the department. Till now, various initiatives have been launched successfully, and a wide range of datasets has been collected. PWD is focused on establishing a centralized database by integrating all the initiatives. Web and Android-based solutions such as Employee Attendance System, digitalisation of IEC Activities, Advocacy application, Monitoring, and geo-tagging of facilities have been developed and integrated to design a single dashboard to view the statistics and relevant data. A single Android application is developed to access different modules, whereas integration of administrative modules such as fixed asset inventory and Project Planning tool is in progress. The department will benefit from the integrated solution as data will be accessible on a single platform. It will also improve the process efficiency and performance.

IT systems have streamlined data collection, storage, and analysis processes. This has helped the department in better tracking of population demographics, fertility rates, contraceptive usage, and other relevant metrics. The data has also helped facilitate evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation. Online applications and field mobilisation has facilitated easier access to family planning services for the population. In this case, Advocacy application will provide information about available services, nearby clinics, and FAQs.

Monitoring and performance evaluation processes have also improved with the introduction of online monitoring and facility wise evaluation and has enabled real-time monitoring of program activities and outcomes. It has helped PWD in tracking the progress of interventions, identify challenges, and make timely adjustments as needed.

In addition to improving service delivery and data management, IT-based initiatives will play a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting education about family planning. Online resources, interactive tools, and outreach campaigns will be utilized to disseminate information and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their families and health.

The introduction of IT-based initiatives in the Population Welfare Department of Punjab, Pakistan, is a step taken to modernize service delivery, improve outcomes, and contribute to the well-being of individuals and families across the region.