In today’s rapidly evolving world, digitalisation has become a driving force for global progress and development. From enhancing connectivity to fostering innovation, technology continues to reshape industries, governance, and healthcare. However, amidst this transformation, it is vital to ensure that ethical principles and cultural values remain at the core of digital advancements.
A powerful example of cultural integrity was seen during the FIFA World Cup, when Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu bowed to fans after their defeat against Croatia. This simple yet profound gesture embodied Japan’s deep-rooted traditions of respect and appreciation. It highlighted the importance of aligning progress with cultural values—an approach that holds significance beyond sports and extends into the realm of digital transformation.
Ethical Digitalisation: A Framework for Sustainable Progress
Digitalisation should not merely be about technological expansion; it must be guided by ethical responsibility. Countries integrating smart solutions, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital governance must ensure that these advancements align with societal values.
For example, in Pakistan, embedding cultural values into digital solutions can create a technology ecosystem rooted in ethics, accessibility, and inclusivity. A prime illustration of this approach is the Family Hifazat application developed by Aga Khan University (AKU).
Family Hifazat: Revolutionizing Patient Access to Healthcare
At Aga Khan University (AKU), where I serve as the Global CIO, our commitment to ethical digitalisation is reflected in our healthcare innovations. Family Hifazat is a patient-centric platform that allows individuals to access health records, book clinical appointments, request medical services, and manage prescriptions—without leaving their homes. This digital transformation in healthcare not only enhances convenience but also fosters transparency, trust, and respect between patients and healthcare providers.
Hayat: Bridging Gaps in Maternal and Child Healthcare
Another breakthrough initiative by AKU is Hayat, an award-winning mobile application designed to improve maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) services in Pakistan. With one of the highest maternal and neonatal mortality rates in the world—186 per 100,000 live births and 40 per 1,000 live births respectively—Pakistan faces critical healthcare challenges.
Hayat replaces manual, paper-based systems with real-time digital tracking, allowing government healthcare administrators to make data-driven decisions and allocate resources efficiently. This technology-driven approach ensures that life-saving medical interventions reach the most vulnerable communities.
Read more: DeepSeek: Revolutionizing Search with AI-Powered Precision
Addressing the Challenges of Digitalisation
Despite the numerous benefits of digitalisation, it comes with challenges that require strategic planning. Healthcare technology, AI, and data accessibility raise important concerns regarding:
- Bridging the digital divide: Ensuring equitable access to the internet and digital tools.
- Cybersecurity & privacy: Protecting sensitive patient data from cyber threats.
- Regulatory frameworks: Establishing policies for responsible AI integration in healthcare.
At the Health-Tech Summit organized by AKU, industry leaders, policymakers, and global experts addressed these challenges, emphasizing the need for country-specific solutions. Key discussions included:
✔ How can AI-powered language translation bridge communication gaps in healthcare? ✔ What role can pharmaceutical companies play in making life-saving drugs more affordable in Pakistan? ✔ How can home healthcare solutions reduce hospital overcrowding while improving patient comfort?
Government Initiatives for Ethical Digitalisation
The importance of ethical digitalisation has also been recognized at the highest levels of governance. During the Health-Tech Summit, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, Anwarul Haq Kakar, announced three pivotal initiatives to support digital transformation:
- Creation of the Prime Minister’s Technology Council: A body dedicated to advancing national digital policies.
- Establishment of a Think Tank for Talent Retention: Developing strategies to retain skilled professionals within Pakistan.
- Implementation of a Shared Electronic Health Records (EHR) System: A nationwide system to ensure seamless patient data accessibility across government hospitals.
These steps signify a commitment to fostering digitalisation with a clear ethical purpose—improving the well-being of citizens.
Conclusion: Building a Future of Ethical Technological Advancement
The lessons from Japan’s World Cup bow remind us that progress and tradition are not mutually exclusive. By nurturing ethical digitalisation, we can create a world where technology enhances human values, respects cultural traditions, and promotes societal well-being.
As we continue advancing into the digital age, the goal must be more than just technological innovation—it must be about fostering a society where digitalisation is guided by ethics, inclusivity, and cultural integrity. With strategic planning, responsible governance, and continuous innovation, we can build a future where technology serves humanity while preserving its core values.