Telehealth portal launched to cope with COVID-19

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Prime Minister Imran Khan launched Telehealth portal on May 20 to help provide consultancy to anyone experiencing any symptom of COVID-19 or needing guidance from doctors.

Pakistan has become the first country to launch such a facility for all its citizens across the country. It will serve as free medical consultation platform for patients to access doctors on mobile phones. 

The Prime Minister, during his brief remarks on the occasion, stated that interaction through the WhatsApp mobile numbers would help the patients get medical advice without leaving their homes. 

The facility will also ensure a direct contact between doctors and patients in a safe environment in the wake of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

People were reminded that coronavirus had impacted a large number of people worldwide and precaution was the only option left to avoid its infection until the availability of vaccine.

The Prime Minister advised the doctors, particularly lady doctors, to volunteer themselves by getting registered with the TeleHealth portal and provide remote assistance to the patients. 

Tania Aidrus of Digital Pakistan was recognized for having conceptualized the portal aimed at facilitating the general public in health sector. 

PM’s Special Assistant on Health, Dr Zafar Mirza, announced that the doctors could get registered themselves by accessing telehealth.gov.pk adding that overseas Pakistani doctors will also be welcomed to volunteer. 

Digital Pakistan’s chief, Tania Aidrus, added that the doctors in Pakistan could sign up for a free consultation with the patients and the citizens could call up a corona screening questionnaire on Whatsapp +92 300 1111166 and opt to speak to a doctor.