The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sehat Kahani to roll out telemedicine services across federal Basic Health Units, a move designed to strengthen primary care and ease pressure on major hospitals.
Federal Minister for National Health Services Mr. Mustafa Kamal called the signing a very important day for telemedicine in Pakistan, describing the project as a quiet but transformative development for the health sector. He noted that overcrowding at public and private hospitals reflects weaknesses in primary and secondary care, and that telemedicine can bring medical services closer to patients in their communities.
Mr. Kamal announced that the formal launch will take place in Islamabad on January 6, when the first BHU under the telemedicine initiative will be inaugurated. He said the government plans to open an additional BHU under the same model each week, reflecting a rapid rollout schedule for the digital health programme.
The MoU specifies that telemedicine systems will be installed at six locations in Islamabad and four in Karachi. At each facility three general physicians will consult patients simultaneously by online video, and the minister added that 18 doctors will be available online across six locations. Online prescriptions will be issued and medicines will be provided to patients on site to make the process seamless.
Beyond easing hospital congestion, the telemedicine initiative aims to bring more qualified doctors into active practice, including many female physicians who are currently not practicing in clinical settings. By enabling consultations from home, telemedicine is expected to tap this reservoir of talent and expand access to care, particularly for women and families who face barriers to visiting tertiary centres.
Mr. Kamal said the telemedicine vision was conceived six months ago and described the MoU as the first drop of rain toward broader health transformation. The partnership with Sehat Kahani highlights the government’s emphasis on digital health solutions to strengthen primary healthcare, improve accessibility, and deliver timely medical advice across Pakistan.
