Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has announced that the federal government has established 10 telemedicine dispensaries to improve access to healthcare.
The new dispensaries will remain open from morning until 8:00pm, allowing patients to receive medical services for longer hours. Kamal said the government also plans to equip these facilities with more advanced technology later.
Moreover, the health minister said technology has reduced the importance of physical distance in healthcare. Telemedicine will help doctors examine and guide patients remotely.
He said specialists from Pakistan or other parts of the world can provide their expertise without being physically present with the patient.
Kamal claimed that the federal government had made progress in healthcare during the past 14 months. He said its recent work in the sector exceeded what had been achieved over several previous decades.
The telemedicine programme has already shown results. Earlier this year, a three month review found that telemedicine had been introduced at eight facilities in Islamabad and Karachi. Thousands of patients received general and specialist consultations, including services in gynaecology, paediatrics and dermatology. Around 65 per cent of the beneficiaries were women.
Additionally, patients were also saved from around Rs8 million by reducing travel costs, expensive private consultations and delays in receiving treatment.
Free hepatitis C screening
Kamal also raised concerns about hepatitis C in Pakistan. He warned that many people may be living with the disease without knowing they are infected. He said added on that severe hepatitis C can lead to serious liver complications, including liver cancer.
According to the minister, a standard hepatitis checkup can cost around Rs7,000. However, the government is offering screening free of cost at government health centres in Islamabad.
People aged 12 years and above can undergo free testing at these centres.
Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal urged citizens to take advantage of the programme and get themselves screened. He also said that if an area does not have an appropriate health centre, the government is prepared to establish one there.
