NHSP Punjab brings provinces together to strengthen data-driven primary healthcare

  The National Health Support Program (NHSP), Punjab hosted the “Health Data in Action – Provincial Learning Exchange” at Local Hotal Lahore, bringing together provincial health teams, policymakers, and development partners to strengthen the use of data for evidence-based health planning and improved primary healthcare delivery.

Mr. Khawaja Imran Nazir, Minister for Health & Population Department, Punjab, graced the event as Chief Guest, highlighting that “data-driven governance is key to transforming primary healthcare and ensuring equitable access to quality services across Punjab.”

 

 

Speaking at occasion, the Imran Nazir said that “Chief Minister Punjab has declared health and education as her top priorities. He emphasized 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.”

 

The Minister termed the Community Health Inspector (CHI) initiative as a landmark project of the department and underscored the importance of interprovincial coordination to strengthen the health system across Pakistan. He also urged the Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, Mustafa Kamal to facilitate such coordination meetings regularly. Mr. Nazir extended an open invitation to all provinces, stating that “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 added that health data plays a crucial role in identifying gaps, improving service delivery, and guiding future planning. Appreciating the efforts of NHSP Punjab, he commended 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 from Dr. Jahanzeb Hussain Addl. Secretary Admin/PD-NHSP Punjab) and Jahanzaib Sohail (World Bank), followed by a thought-provoking keynote by Karin Lane Gichuhi (GFF) on moving from routine reporting to effective data use.

 

Provincial presentations from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Punjab showcased innovative models of 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 the 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 action for stronger, more responsive health systems.*###*