Pakistan has officially launched a telemedicine system aimed at reducing overcrowding in major hospitals. The first health care center under the initiative was inaugurated by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Health Kahani organization.
Speaking at the event, Kamal said that overcrowding in public and private hospitals often resembles political rallies, largely due to gaps in primary and secondary health care. He described telemedicine as an effective alternative, noting that the system has now been deployed in federal basic health centers.
The pilot project has begun in Gogeena village, Islamabad, where Health Kahani will provide digital health services. Kamal explained that 70 percent of patients visiting large hospitals should ideally consult basic health centers.
Telemedicine centers are being set up at six locations in Islamabad and four in Karachi, where patients can simultaneously consult three general physicians online. A total of 18 doctors will be available across the six centers.
Under the system, patients will receive online prescriptions and medicines directly at the centers, which is expected to reduce patient load at major hospitals. Kamal also highlighted that many doctors, particularly female doctors, will now be able to provide care from home. He added that new basic health units (BHUs) will be inaugurated weekly, operating from morning until 6 p.m., with regular surprise visits by officials to ensure quality.
