Pakistan has launched the National Diabetes Network (NDN), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing free consultations to 75,000 diabetes patients daily across the country, particularly benefiting those in remote areas with limited access to medical care. Announced by experts and officials during the NADEP Footcon-2024, the network is a collaboration between the Health Promotion Foundation, Meri Sehat, Pakistan’s first AI-enabled healthcare platform, and Getz Pharma.
Prof. Abdul Basit, Vice Chairman of the Health Promotion Foundation, highlighted that the success of NDN clinics in Karachi has set the stage for the nationwide expansion to 3,000 locations. Each clinic will offer free consultations to 25 patients daily, with additional discounts on medications and lab tests, made possible through partnerships with Chughtai Lab.
Prof. Basit emphasized that NDN is poised to become the world’s largest free health network initiated by the private sector, providing vital care to millions across Pakistan. He stressed the urgency of addressing diabetes-related complications, such as foot ulcers and amputations, which affect thousands of Pakistanis.
Khalid Mahmood, Managing Director of Getz Pharma, expressed concerns about Pakistan’s health indicators, noting that the country faces significant challenges despite its status as a nuclear power. Getz Pharma is committed to making diabetes care more affordable, providing essential medicines and insulin at subsidized rates.
Babar Rashid, CEO of Meri Sehat, introduced innovative diabetes patient management software that allows doctors to manage multiple clinics remotely, integrating patient data into the Diabetes Registry of Pakistan (DROP) for better decision-making and research. Additionally, Meri Sehat has developed a Learning Management System (LMS) and certification program to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.
