Telemedicine Advancements and Healthcare Applications in Pakistan: A Comprehensive Review
Keywords:
Telemedicine, Pakistan, Healthcare Accessibility, Medication Adherence, Maternal Care, Digital Health, Covid-19, Healthcare Infrastructure, Telehealth InitiativesAbstract
Telemedicine is an advanced integration of technology and healthcare, designed to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services, particularly to rural and isolated areas. This comprehensive review synthesizes findings from 25 selected scholarly articles sourced from databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed. The review highlights telemedicine's role in improving medication adherence through structured counseling and its potential to bridge healthcare accessibility gaps in Pakistan. Research underscores the sustainable impact of telemedicine in overcoming barriers to healthcare access, especially accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
YTelemedicine has shown significant promise in maternal and child healthcare, with studies elucidating its supportive role in enhancing maternal care through digital health solutions. The platform SehatKahani is a notable example, offering a range of telemedicine services, including online consultations and personalized medication adherence programs. However, the development of telemedicine in Pakistan faces challenges such as poor healthcare infrastructure, limited technology access, and patient illiteracy.
Globally, telemedicine initiatives like India’s mMitra illustrate the potential of digital health technologies to improve healthcare outcomes. In Pakistan, mobile phone-based interventions have been effective in monitoring immunization coverage and promoting healthcare advancements.
Economically, telemedicine in Pakistan has resulted in cost savings and improved healthcare accessibility, with long-term benefits including enhanced resource allocation and stimulated economic growth. Ethical and legal considerations emphasize the need for secure patient communication channels to protect sensitive healthcare data.
Despite existing challenges, telemedicine offers significant opportunities for Pakistan’s healthcare sector. Successful international models and technological advancements provide a foundation for effective telemedicine platforms. This review highlights the transformative potential of telemedicine in Pakistan, advocating for sustained efforts to harness its benefits for improved healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
