Telemedicine Services to Transform Healthcare in the Capital
— December 3, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner, has announced plans to introduce telemedicine services at Islamabad’s Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centres (RHCs).
The initiative aims to enhance healthcare accessibility, particularly for residents in remote areas and during non-operational hours. Chairing a high-level meeting attended by senior CDA officials, the Deputy Commissioner of ICT, the Executive Director of Capital Hospital, and others, Randhawa stressed the importance of innovative healthcare solutions.
“This programme will provide residents with direct access to professional medical consultations remotely, significantly improving healthcare service accessibility and efficiency,” Randhawa stated.
The telemedicine programme will launch as a six-month pilot at select BHUs, with a phased expansion planned to include all health units in the region. Officials were directed to allocate budgets for the initiative, prioritise quality care, and focus on overhauling BHU and RHC infrastructure to improve services.
Randhawa also proposed a revenue-generating business model to ensure the sustainability of the initiative. “Revenue generated will be reinvested into upgrading healthcare facilities, ensuring sustainable development and better patient care,” he said.