The Telemedicine Landscape in Pakistan- Why are we falling behind?

Telemedicine is the provision of healthcare using information and communication technology-based methods. In the past decade, the sector has grown exponentially and become a billion-dollar industry in the developed world. While telemedicine holds the promise to transcend many of the barriers impeding healthcare delivery in emerging markets, unfortunately Pakistan has not been able to obtain any significant benefit from these advancements. The lack of a regulatory framework and lack of interest from the government makes it difficult for new companies to set up projects in Pakistan which will deliver healthcare in innovative, cost-effective ways. A survey conducted across different levels of the medical community showed that only a small minority of the medical community is familiar with the concept and applications of telemedicine. From a business perspective, the landscape is ripe in Pakistan. Since other developing countries have been able to use telemedicine effectively, Pakistan should also look into the options available and catch up soon.