Punjab govt inaugurates birth and death record system

Under Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system, doctors will determine causes of death

LAHORE: The Punjab government has introduced Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) for the issuance of death certificates in the province.

Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid inaugurated the advanced birth and death record system on Monday. Under the CRVS, specialised doctors would determine the cause of death and consolidated data would also be shared with the local government department and National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). In the first phase, the Planning and Strategic Health Unit (PSPU) of the Punjab Health Department, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry for Planning and Development, will train 100 master trainers at the University of Health Sciences (UHS).



Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Dr Rashid regretted the fact that there was no comprehensive data about causes of death across the country. "You are always powerful when you have accurate data with you. Presently, doctors describe the cause of every death as ‘cardiac or respiratory arrest' and do not try to find out the real reason.

Now, however, the causes of death will be determined by trained and senior doctors," said the minister. She added that the computerised record of deaths will pave the way to formulation of long-lasting health policies in accordance with the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) which will help reduce morbidity and mortality. The minister said that the government was peoplecentered and its prime focus was on the provision of quality health services to the public. "The data collected through the CRVS system will be shared with the local government and NADRA for effective planning." PSPU Programme Director Dr Shagufta Zareen said that initially, coding of the death certificate will be issued from hospitals and later it will be expanded to the household level.