Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, has formally digitized the Basic Health Unit (BHU) in Tumair and inaugurated a state-of-the-art Telemedicine Centre, marking a significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s primary healthcare system.
Addressing the ceremony, the Federal Health Minister termed telemedicine a “revolution in the health sector,” stating that modern technology has made quality healthcare more accessible for people living in remote areas. He noted that under the telemedicine system, both patients and doctors will be monitored to ensure transparency, quality, and efficiency in service delivery.
The Minister emphasized that the government aims to make treatment easier and more affordable for underprivileged populations through telemedicine initiatives. He added that strengthening Basic Health Units would significantly reduce the burden on major hospitals and improve overall health service delivery.
Highlighting ongoing reforms, Syed Mustafa Kamal said the government is committed to overhauling the health system with a strong focus on primary healthcare. He pointed out that Pakistan’s rapidly growing population is putting increasing pressure on available resources, remarking that the country is adding a population equivalent to New Zealand every year. He stressed the importance of birth spacing for sustainable healthcare planning.
The Minister acknowledged that the unavailability of doctors in remote areas had long been a major challenge and that the primary healthcare system had not been functioning effectively. However, he noted that modern technology is now bridging this gap and making healthcare more accessible to the public.
He stated that the telemedicine initiative was launched keeping in view the large underserved and low-income population. Residents of Tumair will now benefit from modern digital health services, with doctors—even those based abroad, including in London—able to consult and treat patients remotely. Medicines will also be delivered to patients at their doorsteps.
The Minister further observed that the number of new doctors entering the healthcare workforce is increasing, and the telemedicine platform is creating new professional opportunities for young medical practitioners. He described telemedicine as a “silent revolution” in the health sector.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Syed Mustafa Kamal said that authorities first thoroughly assessed the health system and its requirements before designing an integrated and effective telemedicine framework. He announced that the government plans to further expand telemedicine services across the country to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare.
He concluded by noting that a large population in remote areas cannot afford frequent hospital visits, and telemedicine will play a critical role in bringing healthcare services closer to the people.
