Digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly reduce medical errors and enhance patient safety, according to health experts who spoke at the First International Conference on Public Health Governance and Sustainable Health Systems 2026. The conference, held at Al-Kawthar University, brought together approximately 500 healthcare professionals, academics, researchers, and students to discuss advancements and challenges in healthcare systems.
Digital health specialist Dr. Zakiuddin Ahmed, chief executive of DigitalCare, emphasized the transformative potential of technology in healthcare. He noted that preventable patient deaths remain a critical issue, and hospitals need to prioritize patient-friendly services organized around patient safety and needs. Dr. Ahmed’s research has identified limited resources and weak policy commitment as significant barriers to improving healthcare quality in Pakistan. He also advocates for increased patient involvement and the development of patient-centered care models.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about one in 10 patients experience harm during healthcare, and unsafe care contributes to over three million deaths annually worldwide. More than half of this harm is preventable. The WHO also cautions that the rapid adoption of untested AI systems could lead to new errors, harm patients, and erode trust. The organization stresses the need for evidence of benefit, expert supervision, and the protection of sensitive health information before widespread use of AI tools in routine care.
Conference patron and organizer Prof. Dr. Syed Shabibul Hasan highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities, public institutions, and professional associations. Discussions throughout the conference aimed to develop recommendations for the government, building on calls for stronger prevention and primary healthcare strategies. Health Services Academy Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan pointed out that reactive treatment after illness onset does not address the root causes of Pakistan’s disease burden.
Sessions at the conference explored various facets of digital health and governance. Dr. Faisal Haider Zaidi of the California Health Sciences University, Prof. Dr. Amna Rehana Siddiqui of the Jinnah Sindh Medical University, and Prof. Dr. Asim Jaffary of the Aga Khan University presented their findings. The digital governance session included technical presentations by Dr. Asim Ali and Dr. Nadeem Mehmood on digital governance and healthcare transformation through AI. Topics such as telemedicine, health information systems, and data governance were also covered.
Additional sessions addressed climate change impacts on health, disaster preparedness, and the integration of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine into public health systems. A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Ghazala Yasmeen examined the future of public health governance in Pakistan, with participants including Dr. Tanveer Raazi Ahmed, Dr. Ghias Ahmed, and Prof. Dr. Farhat Ali Jafri.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Athar Mehboob delivered closing remarks, and the program was set to continue with sessions on stress management, lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and poster activities. Dr. Akmal Waheed urged universities and students to promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness about diseases like diabetes.
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