Medical records to be linked with CNICs under new digital health system

Ministry of Health and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) are joining forces to launch a nationwide digital health system that links medical records with national identity cards.

The initiative, named ‘One Patient One ID’, will use an individual’s Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) number as their permanent Medical Record (MR) number, accessible at healthcare facilities across the country.

The plan was reviewed in a meeting chaired by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and NADRA Chairman Lt Gen Mohammad Munir Afsar.

“There is currently no proper data system for patient records in Pakistan,” Kamal said. “Now, the CNIC will act as the MR number nationwide.”

He added that the move is expected to improve healthcare delivery and expand telemedicine services. “Doctors and medicines will reach people at their homes through telemedicine,” Kamal said, underlining the growing role of digital healthcare.

The minister also stressed that pressure on major hospitals is rising, with 70% of patients bypassing local clinics and basic health units.

He called for better decentralised systems to manage the country’s growing population and healthcare demands.

Moreover, the decision has been welcomed as a landmark reform by the country’s medical and research community.

The Health Research Advisory Board (HealthRAB) called the move a “historic milestone” for healthcare data governance in Pakistan.

Prof Abdul Basit, a leading diabetologist and Chairman of HealthRAB, praised Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and NADRA Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Munir Afsar for what he termed a “visionary, game-changing move” for Pakistan’s health sector.

“By declaring the CNIC as the universal medical record number, Pakistan is making a leap towards integrated, patient-centric care,” Prof Basit said.

He noted the system would help detect undiagnosed cases, particularly of silent diseases like diabetes and hypertension, while improving evidence-based policymaking.

Prof Basit stressed the importance of this digital health integration for research and disease surveillance. “For the first time, we will be able to build real-time databases for chronic and lifestyle-related conditions,” he said, adding that it would strengthen preventive and primary care while easing pressure on large hospitals.