Bridging Gaps with Telehealth

Rashida, a young woman residing in the remote village of Taluka Naseer Fakir Jalalani, District Khairpur, Sindh, could never have imagined welcoming her first child in such circumstances. Like millions across Pakistan, Rashida’s home was destroyed in the immense flooding that hit the country in 2022. In the aftermath, her devastation turned into bone-chilling fear when she found out she was expecting. With the nearest health facilities being miles away and their village badly damaged, Rashida was plagued by constant worries about how she would safely deliver her precious child.

Separated from her mother in a far-off village and living in a decimated shelter, Rashida felt she had no one who could safely guide her through this enormous journey. As the months grew closer to her delivery date, a time that should have been joyful for any expectant mother was instead filled with despair. But then, Indus Hospital & Health Network stepped in as a lifeline.

Through UNFPA funded IHHN project “Resilience Programming, Emergency Preparedness and Response” for provision of life saving services to flood affected populations, including Telehealth services, a local nurse was connected in real-time to an IHHN OBGYN in Karachi, 400 kms away. After assessing the baby, as per guidance of the OBGYN, the nurse successfully aided Rashida in delivering a healthy baby boy using a Clean Delivery Kit. Rashida also received a Newborn Kit, ensuring her infant’s well-being. Thanks to the funding support by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Government of Japan, Rashida and her son are healthy and happy despite having the odds set against them.

“I am thankful to Indus Hospital for stepping in to save my and my baby’s life and making the whole process easy and cost-free”.

Rashida’s story stands as a testament to IHHN’s multi-sectoral approach and usage of advanced technology to serve absolutely free quality care, ensuring access to the remotest of communities. In a setting marred by natural disasters and limited resources, telehealth bridged critical gaps, turning potential tragedy into a triumphant tale of hope and resilience.