CIS’s Tele-Health Centers Transform Rural Pakistan

APP

Islamabad: Access to quality healthcare remains a significant challenge for rural and underserved communities in Pakistan, where medical facilities are scarce, and specialist care is often inaccessible.

To address this pressing issue, COMSATS Internet Services (CIS) has expanded its Tele-Health Centers, providing digital consultations and remote medical assistance to bridge the healthcare gap.

Under the leadership of Ambassador Dr Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, who assumed the role of Executive Director in 2022, CIS has significantly expanded its network. The number of operational Tele-Health Centers has grown from 14 in 2022 to 31 today, enabling thousands of people in remote areas to receive high-quality medical care without the burden of long-distance travel.

CIS’s Tele-Health Centers offer a broad spectrum of specialized healthcare services, including ENT consultations for ear, nose, and throat issues, gynecology for maternal and reproductive health, pediatrics for child health monitoring, dermatology for skin conditions, and general OPD services.

To date, over 150,000 patients have benefited from these services, making healthcare more accessible to rural populations.

Residents of remote areas have expressed their appreciation for CIS’s initiative. “CIS’s Tele-health initiative has been a lifesaver for people in our village. Now, I can get expert medical advice without traveling for hours,” said Ayesha, a resident of Sarband, Peshawar.

Ali, a farmer from the rural area of Chak 5 Faiz, Punjab, shared a similar sentiment. “Living in a rural area, proper healthcare was always a challenge. CIS’s Tele-health Centers have given us access to top doctors and essential health education. It’s truly transformative.”

Healthcare providers in remote regions also recognize the impact of telemedicine. “CIS’s Tele-health services have been invaluable. Connecting patients with specialists remotely has significantly improved the quality of care,” said Dr Alina Tahir, a rural healthcare provider.

Beyond medical treatment, CIS’s Tele-Health Centers also provide essential education on nutrition, hygiene, and water safety. These efforts have played a crucial role in reducing malnutrition, iron deficiency, and the spread of infectious diseases, contributing to overall community well-being.

CIS remains committed to further expanding its Tele-Health services. With additional centers in the pipeline, the organization aims to ensure that every citizen, regardless of location, has access to essential medical services.

Furthermore, CIS is extending its telemedicine expertise beyond Pakistan’s borders, offering remote consultations and health services to developing nations struggling with inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

Telemedicine is a crucial component of modern healthcare systems in developed countries such as the United States, Canada, and Europe. It enhances accessibility, reduces costs, and improves overall healthcare efficiency.

By bringing this transformative approach to Pakistan, CIS is not only addressing local healthcare disparities but also contributing to a global movement towards accessible and affordable medical services for all.