The Balochistan government has launched Sehat Dehleez, a telehealth application providing free consultations with qualified doctors to residents across the province. Introduced by the People’s Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI) Balochistan, the digital service aims to make medical advice more accessible, particularly for people living in remote areas where reaching a healthcare facility can be difficult. Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti announced the launch on October 21, highlighting the platform’s early response and its potential to connect patients with doctors without requiring them to travel for an initial consultation. The service is available around the clock and is designed to help residents access timely medical guidance from their homes.
Sehat Dehleez recorded 791 consultation calls during its first 24 hours of operation, with 495 consultations completed during that period. Location information was included in 718 calls, indicating that the service was reaching users across 35 districts of Balochistan. The initial figures offer an early indication of demand for remote healthcare services in a province where distances, transport difficulties and extreme weather can prevent people from reaching medical facilities promptly. By allowing residents to seek advice digitally, the platform could help reduce the need for travel when patients require preliminary medical guidance. The government has particularly highlighted the potential benefits for people in areas where access to healthcare remains limited.
The application provides consultations covering general health concerns, maternal and child health, and guidance on common illnesses. Residents can access the service through its web application or Android app by scanning the QR codes provided by the organisation. The digital model allows patients to contact qualified doctors without first visiting a physical facility, potentially making basic medical advice easier to obtain for families in underserved communities. It also offers a way to connect residents with healthcare professionals when environmental conditions or distance make travel challenging. However, remote consultations are not a replacement for emergency treatment or in-person examinations when physical assessment, diagnostic testing or specialised medical care is necessary.
The launch adds to Balochistan’s broader efforts to use digital technology to improve healthcare delivery across the province. The government has also announced plans involving telemedicine, satellite connectivity and the digitalisation of 1,500 health centres, reflecting an emphasis on extending healthcare access beyond major urban areas. Sehat Dehleez provides a direct digital channel for medical consultations, while wider connectivity and health-facility initiatives could support the delivery of services in communities with limited access to medical infrastructure. Its long-term effectiveness will depend on the availability of qualified doctors, reliable connectivity, clear referral procedures and public awareness of how to use the platform. The early response suggests that residents are willing to use digital healthcare services, but sustained implementation will be essential to ensure that remote consultations translate into better access to appropriate medical care.
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