PM backs technological transformation in healthcare 

KARACHI: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar reiterated the government's resolve to employ modern technology to enhance access to preventive and curative healthcare, especially for the most vulnerable segments.

Sharing these views during his address at the HealthTech Summit organised by the Aga Khan University (AKU), Karachi, the PM hailed the remarkable advancements in healthcare technology and underscored its potential benefits for patients, healthcare providers, and the government.

Emphasising the importance of collaboration with experts and professionals in the healthcare technology sector, Kakar said that ensuring universal health coverage is a constitutional obligation of the government. He asserted that technology would play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality healthcare services to the entire population.

Acknowledging the crucial contributions of the private sector and philanthropists in achieving the goal of universal health coverage, the PM noted the groundbreaking potential of technologies such as gene therapy. He specifically mentioned the role of digital technology and artificial intelligence in expediting diagnoses and improving healthcare outcomes.

Commending the AKU as a national asset for Pakistan, Prime Minister Kakar praised its global ranking and exemplary services, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. He highlighted the institution's role in training numerous professionals and establishing health clinics in flood-affected areas.

He also lauded AKU graduates for their positive impact on society as ethical leaders and innovators, urging other institutions to emulate their best practices.

The prime minister also acknowledged the vision and generosity of Prince Aga Khan, saying that the services provided by the AKU in Pakistan and beyond exemplify his commitment to offering top-notch education and healthcare facilities to the people of the country.

He highlighted the far-reaching implications of technology for various aspects of life, including ethics, religion, and democracy, underscoring the transformative potential of technological advancements in shaping a better future.