Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, inaugurated the third Digitalized Healthcare / Telemedicine Center in the outskirts of Islamabad at Bhambar Tarar, marking another important milestone in the government’s efforts to modernize Pakistan’s healthcare system and fulfill its commitments to the nation.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Federal Health Minister stated that the government is ensuring timely fulfillment of promises made to the people, with continuous and practical steps being taken to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.
He highlighted that last month, the government signed a landmark agreement with “Sehat Kahani”, under which 5,000 online doctors will provide medical consultations remotely. He added that doctors based abroad, including in Qatar, are already examining patients online through telemedicine centers in Karachi. Additionally, qualified female doctors who were previously unable to practice after marriage are now actively providing healthcare services from their homes through this innovative system.
Syed Mustafa Kamal emphasized that telemedicine is an effective, modern, and indispensable solution for ensuring quality healthcare in remote and underserved areas. Recognizing its importance in time, the government has made telemedicine a permanent component of the national healthcare system.
The Federal Health Minister recalled that he had promised the nation the establishment of 10 telemedicine centers across the country, and that promise is now being fulfilled through concrete actions. He shared that the first Digital Health Center was inaugurated on January 6 in Gokina, followed by the second center in Karachi, while today marks the inauguration of the third telemedicine center in Bhambar Tarar.
He further explained that telemedicine is playing a vital role in revitalizing the primary healthcare system, as tertiary hospitals are currently overburdened. Nearly 70 percent of patients, he noted, can be treated at the primary healthcare level, but due to lack of facilities, they are forced to visit major hospitals even for minor ailments.
In Bhambar Tarar, the building of a Basic Health Unit already existed, but no doctor was posted there. Moreover, access to major hospitals in Islamabad requires over an hour of travel. With the launch of this telemedicine center, residents of the area will now receive medical treatment within their own community, while patients with serious or complicated conditions will continue to be referred to tertiary care hospitals.
The Federal Health Minister concluded by stating that reducing the burden on major hospitals is one of the most urgent needs of the time, and telemedicine offers a practical solution. Through this modern system, patients will no longer need to travel to tertiary hospitals for minor illnesses. He reiterated that the Ministry of Health is fully utilizing telemedicine technology to bring healthcare services to the doorsteps of people in remote areas, reflecting the government’s people-centric vision and progressive health policies.
