MoU signed to expand digital healthcare telemedicine services

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination has taken a significant step in digitalizing the national healthcare system and expanding telemedicine services nationwide by formally signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SehatKahani.

In this connection, a ceremony was held here on Wednesday, wherein the Ministry of National Health Services signed MoU with SehatKahani, aiming at expanding the digital healthcare services and telemedicine services.

Speaking after the MoU signing event, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Mustafa Kamal, informed that the formal launch of the telemedicine project will take place in Islamabad on January 6. Under the MoU, SehatKahani will provide digital healthcare services, supporting the government’s efforts to improve access to quality medical care. The Minister highlighted that nearly 70 percent of patients visiting tertiary hospitals should ideally be treated at primary healthcare centers, which will significantly reduce the burden on major hospitals.

Mustafa Kamal termed the occasion “a significant day for telemedicine in Pakistan”, stating that the initiative would play a pivotal role in addressing long-standing challenges within the healthcare system. The Federal Health Minister observed that both public and private hospitals are overcrowded, resembling political gatherings, due to the absence of an effective primary and secondary healthcare system.

He emphasized that telemedicine serves as a viable alternative to a weak primary healthcare structure, enabling patients to access medical care closer to their communities. Kamal announced that the telemedicine system is being launched at federal Basic Health Units (BHUs) and described it as a “silent revolution in the health sector.”

He further disclosed that telemedicine systems will be installed at six locations in Islamabad and four in Karachi. At each facility, three general physicians will simultaneously consult patients via online video, ensuring timely and effective medical advice. A total of 18 doctors will be available online across six locations, he added. Kamal stated that online prescriptions will be issued, and medicines will be provided to patients on-site, making the process seamless and patient-friendly.

He expressed confidence that this initiative would soon lead to a visible reduction in overcrowding at major hospitals. Highlighting an important social impact, the Federal Minister noted that a large number of qualified doctors, particularly female doctors, are currently not in active practice. Through telemedicine, these doctors will now be able to treat patients from their homes, contributing their expertise to the healthcare system.

Reflecting on the journey, Kamal said that this vision was conceived six months ago, and the MoU represents “the first drop of rain” toward a broader transformation. He announced that the first BHU under the telemedicine initiative will be inaugurated on January 6, followed by the opening of one BHU every week thereafter. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to strengthen primary healthcare, enhance accessibility, and ensure efficient delivery of medical services across Pakistan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025