National EHR Collaboration Forum Launched at FPCCI Karachi to Advance Digital Health in Pakistan

A significant step towards digital transformation in healthcare was taken at a conference held at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) , Karachi, hosted jointly by Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) and FPCCI, where IHHN announced the launch of the National EHR Collaboration Forum.

The conference brought together key stakeholders from across the healthcare ecosystem, including healthcare leaders, regulatory bodies, and industry experts, to discuss the future of Electronic Health Records (EHR) in Pakistan and the need for a unified national approach.

The newly launched forum will serve as a collaborative platform for government institutions, hospitals, and healthcare organizations that have fully implemented, partially adopted, or are planning to introduce EHR/EMR systems. It will also welcome professionals and organizations willing to contribute towards shaping Pakistan’s digital health future.

The primary objective of this initiative is to accelerate the adoption of a standardized and interoperable EHR system that enhances patient care, improves clinical decision-making, and strengthens overall healthcare delivery in Pakistan.

During the conference, participants shared key recommendations to guide the way forward. There was strong consensus on developing a centralized and interoperable EHR system, supported by joint policy-making between federal and provincial governments, with institutions such as NADRA and healthcare commissions playing a central role. Emphasis was placed on ensuring patient confidentiality, data security, and clear ownership, with agreement that electronic medical records are the patient’s property and should be accessible through secure means such as CNIC-based identification, biometrics, or QR codes. Participants also highlighted the need for a user-friendly system, standardized data variables for hospitals, and improved connectivity to address implementation challenges. The development of a national strategy and working framework was recommended, with optimism that a unified EHR system can be achieved in a relatively short timeframe through coordinated efforts.

As a facilitator, IHHN will play a central role in guiding the formation and development of the forum. The network will share its experience in implementing EHR frameworks, while also working closely with government bodies and key stakeholders to ensure long-term alignment and sustainability of the initiative.

The conference was attended by Mr. Saqib Fayyaz Magoon , Senior Vice President FPCCI, who delivered a presentation highlighting the role of industry collaboration and policy support in advancing national EHR adoption, and Mr. Muhammad Siddique Sheikh , CSR Activist and Ex-Chairman IHHN. Representing Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) were Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, President IHHN; Dr. Syed Zafar Zaidi , CEO IHHN; Dr. Shamvil Ashraf , Executive Director Medical Services; Dr. Arshad Taqi, Medical Director, Jubilee Town Campus; Dr. Shafeeq Haider, CEO North; Dr. Ashar Alam , Medical Director, Indus University Hospital Karachi; Prof. Dr. Abdul Basit , Director (IDEC); and Mr. Shakeel Akhtar, CIO IHHN. The event witnessed strong representation from participants of more than 70 hospitals across Pakistan, reflecting widespread national engagement on digital health transformation.

This initiative builds on the momentum generated by Pakistan’s first national EHR Conference held in Lahore, also hosted by IHHN, where the foundation for a unified and interoperable digital health system was strongly emphasized.

The leadership of Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) congratulated the EHR team, including Kafeel Naz , Senior Manager EHR, and Beenish Wajid, Manager EHR, for their exceptional efforts in organizing the National EHR Collaboration Forum, recognizing their dedication and leadership in making the event a success.

This marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s journey towards digital transformation in healthcare, reinforcing IHHN’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and improved patient outcomes nationwide.