QUETTA: Residents of remote areas of Balochistan can now access medical advice from qualified doctors around the clock through a newly launched digital healthcare service, reducing the need for long journeys for basic medical consultations.
The People’s Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI) Balochistan has launched the ‘Sehat Dehleez’ telehealth app under the vision of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, enabling citizens to seek medical advice from qualified doctors 24 hours a day.
The initiative aims to bring healthcare services to people’s doorsteps through digital technology, particularly benefiting residents of remote areas where healthcare facilities are limited or difficult to access.
According to PPHI Balochistan, the app will allow users to consult doctors from their homes for guidance on common illnesses. It will also provide consultations on maternal and child health, along with awareness about the prevention of various diseases.
The service is expected to help patients reduce the time, travel expenses and inconvenience associated with repeatedly visiting cities to obtain initial medical advice.
Citizens can access the service through the web application and Android app by scanning the provided QR codes.
Analysts say the launch of Sehat Dehleez marks a step towards the digitalisation of healthcare in Balochistan. However, they stress that its effectiveness will depend not only on introducing the technology but also on ensuring its practical and sustained use.
Limited internet connectivity, restricted access to smartphones and a lack of digital literacy in several remote areas could hinder the adoption of the service.
Analysts further emphasise the need to ensure the continuous availability of qualified doctors, protect patients’ personal and medical information, and establish appropriate referral arrangements for those requiring in-person examinations or treatment at nearby healthcare facilities.
