Are digital health initiatives in Pakistan understeered? a stakeholders’ perspective
1
Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
2
Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The long-term sustainability of digital health interventions (DHIs) in Pakistan faces persistent challenges related to policy frameworks, financing, and integration within the health system. This study aimed to explore stakeholder perspectives on barriers and opportunities for ensuring the sustainability of DHIs in Pakistan.
METHODS:
A sequential explanatory study was conducted in November 2023 involving 38 stakeholders from government, academia, digital health and primary healthcare practice, and multilateral organizations. The study included a survey to explore policy options for the sustainability of digital health interventions (DHIs), followed by focus group discussions (FGDs). The interview guide covered three key domains: policy and advocacy support, funding models, and integration with existing systems. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed using NVivo version 12.
RESULTS:
Survey findings showed that 89.4% (34/38) of respondents considered comprehensive updating of the National Digital Health Policy to be highly impactful for sustaining DHIs. Public–private partnerships were viewed as highly useful for integrating DHIs into public sector health facilities by 78.9% (30/38) of stakeholders. Additionally, 52% (20/38) believed that funding through Global Health Initiatives such as GFATM and Gavi could significantly contribute to health system strengthening. FGDs identified key barriers to DHI sustainability, including lack of sustained funding commitments, policy gaps, limited utilization by healthcare providers, and low awareness among target users. Stakeholders recommended incorporating guidance on quality assurance, service costing, data sharing, and data security within the National Digital Health Policy. Capacity building of healthcare professionals, strengthened monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and improved multisectoral coordination and cost-effectiveness evidence were emphasized as critical for sustained integration.
CONCLUSIONS:
Sustainability of DHIs in Pakistan requires strengthened governance, updated policy frameworks, sustained financing, and effective public–private partnerships. Addressing these gaps is essential for building a resilient and integrated digital health ecosystem.
The long-term sustainability of digital health interventions (DHIs) in Pakistan faces persistent challenges related to policy frameworks, financing, and integration within the health system. This study aimed to explore stakeholder perspectives on barriers and opportunities for ensuring the sustainability of DHIs in Pakistan.
METHODS:
A sequential explanatory study was conducted in November 2023 involving 38 stakeholders from government, academia, digital health and primary healthcare practice, and multilateral organizations. The study included a survey to explore policy options for the sustainability of digital health interventions (DHIs), followed by focus group discussions (FGDs). The interview guide covered three key domains: policy and advocacy support, funding models, and integration with existing systems. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed using NVivo version 12.
RESULTS:
Survey findings showed that 89.4% (34/38) of respondents considered comprehensive updating of the National Digital Health Policy to be highly impactful for sustaining DHIs. Public–private partnerships were viewed as highly useful for integrating DHIs into public sector health facilities by 78.9% (30/38) of stakeholders. Additionally, 52% (20/38) believed that funding through Global Health Initiatives such as GFATM and Gavi could significantly contribute to health system strengthening. FGDs identified key barriers to DHI sustainability, including lack of sustained funding commitments, policy gaps, limited utilization by healthcare providers, and low awareness among target users. Stakeholders recommended incorporating guidance on quality assurance, service costing, data sharing, and data security within the National Digital Health Policy. Capacity building of healthcare professionals, strengthened monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and improved multisectoral coordination and cost-effectiveness evidence were emphasized as critical for sustained integration.
CONCLUSIONS:
Sustainability of DHIs in Pakistan requires strengthened governance, updated policy frameworks, sustained financing, and effective public–private partnerships. Addressing these gaps is essential for building a resilient and integrated digital health ecosystem.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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