Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal on Tuesday termed the telemedicine system a “silent revolution” in the health sector, saying it serves as an effective alternative to the conventional primary healthcare system.Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the first healthcare center established under the banner of Sehat Kahani with the cooperation of the Ministry of Health, he said that the telemedicine system has been launched at federal Basic Health Units (BHUs).Mustafa Kamal said that today marks a major milestone for telemedicine, as the project has formally been launched in Gokina village, Islamabad.The minister said that ‘Sehat Kahani’ will provide digital healthcare facilities and help reduce the burden on hospitals. He noted that both public and private hospitals are overcrowded, resembling political rallies, due to the absence of an effective primary and secondary healthcare system.
He emphasized that telemedicine is a viable alternative to strengthen primary healthcare, adding that nearly 70 percent of patients visiting major hospitals should instead be treated at basic health centers. He said telemedicine systems are being installed at six locations in Islamabad and four in Karachi.Under the system, patients will be examined simultaneously by three general physicians via online video consultation. A total of 18 doctors will be available online at six locations. Prescriptions will be issued online, and medicines will be provided to patients on-site, which will gradually reduce the rush at major hospitals.Syed Mustafa Kamal also highlighted that a large number of doctors, especially female doctors, are currently not in active practice. Through telemedicine, they will be able to treat patients from their homes. “We envisioned this dream a few months ago; this is just the first drop of rain,” he said.He added that the first BHU was inaugurated on Tuesday and that a new BHU will be inaugurated every week thereafter. Patient consultations will be conducted from morning till 6 pm. He also announced that he would continue to pay surprise visits to these centers.
