Key Takeaways
- The Ministry of National Health Services signed an MoU with the National AI Hub at Lahore University of Management Sciences.
- The agreement aims to enhance maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes through AI.
- Collaboration will focus on research, innovation, policy engagement, and capacity building.
The Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Artificial Intelligence Hub at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), marking a significant step towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare services in Pakistan.
Representatives from both institutions, including Federal Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri and Director General Dr Shabana Saleem for the NHS, and Provost Dr Tariq Jadoon and Dr Agha Ali Raza of the Computer Science Department at LUMS, participated in the signing ceremony. Gates Foundation consultant Naveed Akbar also attended.
The agreement outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration that includes research, innovation, policy engagement, and capacity building. This partnership is expected to identify national health priorities and develop AI-enabled solutions aimed at improving maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes across Pakistan.
Ghauri emphasized the importance of this initiative in strengthening maternal and child health services through safe and effective use of AI technologies. He stated, 'This collaboration will play a crucial role in leveraging AI to address critical healthcare challenges faced by our nation.'
Dr Tariq Jadoon, Provost at LUMS, added, 'We are excited about this partnership as it aligns with our mission to contribute to the betterment of public health through cutting-edge research and technology.'
The MoU is part of a broader effort by the NHS to modernize healthcare services in Pakistan. By partnering with leading academic institutions like LUMS, the ministry aims to foster innovation and ensure that AI applications are used responsibly and effectively.
According to Dr Shabana Saleem, Director General of the NHS, 'This partnership will enable us to develop evidence-based policies and practices that leverage AI for improved health outcomes.'
The collaboration is expected to have a significant impact on healthcare delivery in Pakistan. By integrating AI into various aspects of maternal and child health care, the partnership aims to reduce mortality rates and improve overall public health.
Naveed Akbar, consultant from the Gates Foundation, highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating, 'AI has immense potential to transform healthcare services, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. This MoU is a positive step towards harnessing that potential.'
'This collaboration will play a crucial role in leveraging AI to address critical healthcare challenges faced by our nation.'
Muhammad Aslam Ghauri, Federal Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services
'We are excited about this partnership as it aligns with our mission to contribute to the betterment of public health through cutting-edge research and technology.'
Dr Tariq Jadoon, Provost, Lahore University of Management Sciences
