Health dept transitioning to digital system for real-time monitoring and swift action: Dr Azra

Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho on Monday chaired a meeting with World Bank Mission on National Health Support Programme (NHSP), in which she said the digital system would ensure real-time data and timely decisions.

Officials said the meeting was attended by representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), Unicef, the secretary of health, and other senior officials. During the meeting, a detailed review was conducted on Sindh Health Department’s ongoing initiatives, including the implementation of the District Health Information System (DHIS-2), capacity building, improvements in the communication system, and various components of the NHSP.

Dr Pechuho emphasized that the health sector requires a technically skilled and well-trained team capable of managing modern health systems. She said that in the past, the department relied on physical data, which delayed timely decisions, but now it was transitioning to a fully digital system that enabled real-time monitoring and swift action.

She directed that the rollout of the DHIS-2 system in the remaining 10 districts of Sindh be expedited to ensure a province-wide, automated, and efficient health data management system. She further called for the establishment of separate cost centres for Management Information System (MIS) activities to ensure financial transparency and timely fund disbursement.

Appreciating the support of the World Bank, WHO and Unicef, Dr Pechuho said that the Sindh government is focusing on sustainable improvements in the health sector through capacity building, training, public awareness campaigns, and the use of modern technology. She underscored the need for enhancing staff training and awareness programs to strengthen healthcare delivery at all levels.

She also stated that the government intends to integrate the Hepatitis Control Programme with the NHSP to ensure long-term and effective outcomes across the province. “Sustainability, capacity building, and timely financing are essential to ensure that the people of Sindh receive the best possible healthcare facilities,” she added.

The World Bank delegation praised the Sindh government’s commitment and noted that the province was successfully implementing the NHSP. They assured continued technical assistance to further enhance the programme’s effectiveness and recommended establishing a UHC (Universal Health Coverage) Coordination Platform at the provincial level to improve inter-programme coordination and synergy.

Dr Pechuho said, “The Sindh government’s health initiatives are people-centred and aimed at providing every citizen with access to modern healthcare, medicines, and diagnostic facilities. We are building a transparent and efficient system where real-time data ensures prompt decision-making — this is the need of the modern era.”