Nadra launches CRVS inception plan

Islamabad:National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) has announced a new initiative aimed at improving the registration of births and deaths across Pakistan. The current system, managed by both federal and provincial authorities, has long faced delays and inefficiencies, causing difficulties for citizens in obtaining vital documents such as birth certificates and death notifications. To address these issues, Nadra has introduced the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Inception Plan, which will modernise and streamline the process, says a press release.

The CRVS Inception Plan, approved by the Ministry of Interior, will be rolled out in three phases over two years. In the first phase, Nadra will integrate Punjab’s Health Management Information System (HMIS) for birth and death notifications. This includes launching a Birth and Death Notification Tool (BNT) in 10 hospitals, sending SMS alerts for birth certificates, and holding national workshops.

The second phase will expand the tool to 25% of public healthcare facilities and include marriage and divorce notifications. Mobile apps will also be introduced in Punjab to make the registration process more accessible. By the final phase, 90% of healthcare facilities will be integrated, and Union Councils (UCs) will be digitised for marriage, divorce, and death registrations.

Nadra has already made progress, signing agreements with health departments in Punjab and initiating discussions with Sindh, KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and AJK. The integration with the Federal Directorate of Immunisation with Nadra is set to streamline birth notifications for 7.5 million events annually by November 2024. A pilot program will be launched in 20 hospitals by the end of the year.

In addition to these tools, Nadra is developing a mobile app to allow citizens to self-register births and deaths, reducing the need to visit UC offices. NADRA also plans to expand its services from 828 registration centres to over 11,000 UCs, making it easier for citizens to access vital documents.

However, challenges remain. Since health is a provincial matter after the 18th amendment, there is no legislation requiring healthcare facilities to notify birth and death events to Nadra. Nadra has called for legislative measures to ensure the success of the CRVS Plan.This initiative represents a significant step forward in modernising Pakistan’s civil registration system, making it more efficient and accessible for citizens across the country.