THE quality of healthcare services in most public-sector hospitals is often unsatis- factory due to lack of needed resources, unhygienic settings, outdated methods of treatment as well as burnt-out and und-

erpaid healthcare professionals. On the other hand, the soaring prices of basic check-ups and laboratory tests in private-sector hospitals bar the average population from accessing them. While the future of healthcare in the country seems bleak, the growing provision of telehealth may be just the silver lining.

Back in February, a woman took her three-year-old son to a local clinic as the child was down with indigestion. He was diagnosed with a bacterial infection, but the medication provided did not improve his condition. She stuck to the regiment for a few days, but grew helpless as the child’s condition worsened.

As she was searching for the ‘right’ doctor, she came across a telehealth platform that offered a complimentary initial consultation upon signing up for their services. Initially, she assumed it was just another promotional attempt, but when her son’s discomfort escalated significantly, she registered on the platform in need of immediate assistance.

The telehealth doctor provided her due guidance, revealing that the child had actually been misdiagnosed earlier. The doctor prescribed some new medications, and the child recovered in due course of time. People generally are unaware of the provision of free and paid telehealth services. Better awareness can help the people and the telehealth sector, making it a win-win scenario. The telehealth sector is what is needed as it ensures timely healthcare services round the clock.

Zahra Akif
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2024