ISLAMABAD: Participants of a training for healthcare personnel on Sunday emphasised increasing role of technology during the Covid-19 crisis and regarded telemedicine as the new normal for now and future.

The training was organised by the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (Comsats), which joined hands with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. Through the five-day training, the country’s doctors and medical community were educated on sexual, reproductive and maternal health for telemedicine providers.

At the concluding day, Country Representative WHO Dr Palitha Mahipala considered training significant in underscoring the various aspects of maternal health and childcare which is being compromised due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Malik Mohammad Safi, Director General Health at the health ministry, said telemedicine could help address the gaps in the healthcare systems which are currently under stress due to the pandemic.

Held with respect to the necessary health protocols regarding Covid-19, the first phase of the virtual training imparted knowledge to doctors who provide telehealth services at Comsats, Sehat Kahani and Human Development Foundation (HDF).

“In the current challenging times, telehealth can serve as an important means for provision of health services.

“This training has been launched to equip the telemedicine providers with better knowledge and understanding of the subject,” remarked technical officer reproductive health at WHO Pakistan Ellen Thom.

Professionals that imparted and coordinated the training belonged to the health ministry, WHO, Health Services Academy, Dow Medical College and Civil Hospital Karachi and Comsats Islamabad.

The outcomes of the training are expected to be further consolidated based on feedback of the beneficiaries and the trainers to make future interventions more effective.

The final-day included a detailed session on good practices on the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as recommended by WHO and other preventive measures to be taken by the reproductive and maternal health professionals within the context of the pandemic.

Comsats Executive Director Dr SM Junaid Zaidi claimed that building on its competitive advantage Comsats was the pioneer in the field of telehealth in Pakistan.

“Our telehealth has since benefitted around 70,000 patients in 17 rural areas across Pakistan in specialties like dermatology, gynecology, antenatal care, ultrasounds and outpatient care,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2020