Pakistan wants Saudi Arabia’s help to digitize health records nationwide

Pakistan is asking Saudi Arabia to help build a nationwide digital health records system that would let doctors access patient medical histories across hospitals and provinces. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal told Arab News the move would replace Pakistan's current fragmented paper-based records that cause duplicate tests, treatment delays and gaps in patient care.

The proposed system copies Saudi Arabia's Unified Health Record (UHR) platform, part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 reform program. Pakistan's healthcare system has long used localized paper recordkeeping that limits sharing patient information between hospitals and provinces.

What's the plan?

Pakistan wants to model its system on Saudi Arabia's UHR platform, which allows healthcare providers to access patient information through a centralized digital platform. Kamal said he spoke with Saudi officials recently about learning from their experience.

The system would maintain updated patient records including:

• Disease history
• Medications dispensed
• Medical insurance information
• Laboratory test results
• Vaccinations
• Referrals

Kamal said his ministry is working with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to link citizens' medical records with their Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs). "In the future, a patient's CNIC could serve as their Medical Record number, allowing healthcare providers to access centralized medical histories across the country," he said.

Pakistan is also exploring joint vaccine production with Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and China. Indonesia has agreed to transfer vaccine production technology, with Kamal expecting "a breakthrough very soon."

Why does it matter?

Pakistan's current paper-based system creates major inefficiencies in healthcare delivery. Patients often undergo duplicate tests when visiting different hospitals because doctors can't access their previous medical records. This wastes time and money while potentially delaying critical treatment.

The vaccine production partnership addresses another pressing need. Pakistan requires around 130 million vaccine doses annually to immunize children against various diseases. The country currently spends up to $1.2 billion annually on vaccine imports and relies heavily on support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

International funding support is expected to decline by 2030, raising concerns about long-term vaccine supply sustainability. Local manufacturing would strengthen Pakistan's health security, reduce import dependence, and conserve foreign exchange reserves.

The context

Digital health records systems have become standard in developed countries, but many developing nations still struggle with paper-based systems. Saudi Arabia's investment in digital health infrastructure is part of its broader Vision 2030 economic diversification program.

Pakistan's move reflects growing recognition that modern healthcare requires integrated digital systems. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how fragmented health systems struggle to track patient data and coordinate care effectively.

The vaccine production initiative also fits Pakistan's broader industrial policy goals. The country wants to develop export-oriented industries and reduce dependence on imports across multiple sectors, not just healthcare.