Telemedicine is the remote delivery of healthcare services, such as health assessments or consultations, over the telecommunications infrastructure. It allows healthcare providers to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients using common technology, such as video conferencing and smartphones, without the need for an in-person visit.

Innovation in healthcare has created significant opportunities for service providers to expand healthcare coverage. The primary healthcare system in Balochistan has long faced shortages of both general practitioners and specialist healthcare providers. Telehealth offers an effective solution to deliver quality healthcare services to underserved and remote areas of the province.

PPHI Balochistan, in collaboration with COMSATS Islamabad, introduced telehealth services in Balochistan. Successful pilot projects were implemented at BHU Shado Band, Gwadar, and BHU Wahdat Colony, Quetta. Following the success of these pilots, the Government of Balochistan approved and funded four telehealth clinics in the districts of Washuk, Mastung, Jaffarabad, and Duki in 2020. Subsequently, the Government approved the extension of telehealth services to all districts of Balochistan.

In the second phase of the project, nine additional health facilities were commissioned by June 2021, followed by the launch of a mobile telehealth unit in October 2021. During Phase III, five health facilities were commissioned in the last quarter of 2022, with five more becoming operational by April 2023. To date, approximately 34 telehealth facilities have been established across almost all districts of Balochistan.

Telehealth offers effective tools for delivering healthcare services, and provides an opportunity to expand the reach and quality of primary healthcare. Offering specialist gynecology, pediatric and dermatology services. With an all-female panel of doctors, the vast majority of the rural female population shall have access to quality healthcare with the comfort of interacting with a Lady Doctor.

PPHI-B is responsible for provide primary healthcare services across Balochistan. Despite our best efforts, there exists a gap in the outreach and types of services being provided, with geographical and financial barriers access to general and specialist care is difficult in rural Balochistan. Main barriers to healthcare include deficiency of general and specialist healthcare providers, distances and costs of travel and care. Literacy in general and health literacy in particular plus limited clinical availability compounds the problem, as people do not realize the severity of illness in time.