Balochistan’s digital health reforms praised internationally; Minister holds key meetings in Colombo
Colombo, Provincial Health Minister Balochistan, Bakht Muhammad Kakar, who was invited as Guest of Honour at the opening session of the DHIS2 Asia Pacific Conference 2026, held a series of important meetings during his visit to Sri Lanka.
Over the past two days, he met with Sri Lanka’s Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hanska Wijemuni, Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Colombo Major General (R) Dr. Nayar Nasir, Professor Kristin Bra of Oslo University, and WHO Representative in Sri Lanka Dr. Rajesh Pandu. Delegations from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health and Nepal also held discussions with him. Provincial Coordinator Balochistan Health Management Information System (BHMIS) and DHIS2, Dr. Ababakar Baloch, accompanied the minister.
During the conference and bilateral meetings, representatives from Oslo University and various countries lauded Balochistan’s rapid progress in digital health reforms. They praised the province’s achievements in expanding digital systems, strengthening data‑driven monitoring, and advancing evidence‑based decision‑making within a short span of time.
In his meeting with Sri Lanka’s Deputy Health Minister, discussions focused on cooperation in healthcare, exchange of expertise, and utilization of technical skills. Emphasis was placed on quality medical services, disease prevention, workforce training, modern medical technology, and digital health. Sri Lanka’s primary healthcare system, national nutrition program, non‑communicable disease prevention, “Arogya Suwa” initiative, and school canteen health guidelines were also reviewed, with prospects for joint training and collaborative programs explored.
The minister also met Pakistan’s High Commissioner Dr. Nayar Nasir, underscoring the diplomatic significance of his visit. Further meetings with Professor Kristin Bra, WHO representatives, and delegations from Sri Lanka and Nepal highlighted regional and international cooperation in healthcare, digital health, and knowledge sharing. The importance of transforming these linkages into practical collaboration and sustainable partnerships was strongly emphasized.