Experts call for govt support in technological platforms in health sector

• Mohabat Ali says introduction of new technological solutions can benefit both patients and doctors in the country.
• Physio Online, the health application for the android and iOS users is a blessing for both physiotherapists and patients in Pakistan, says the Head of Physiotherapy Department at MMI.

KARACHI: A large number of people now use smart phones in Pakistan with internet access and in order to get better access to health facilities and services, they can use emerging online health applications which can connect them to appropriate health professionals and facilities instead of wasting time and enquiring about ‘good doctors’.

This was stated by health and technological experts while speaking at a news conference at Karachi Press Club on Monday regarding launch of Physio Online, an innovative mobile health application that can connect people in over 4000 physiotherapists in entire Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, eminent physiotherapist and Head of Physiotherapy Department at Memon Medical Institute (MMI) Dr. Mohabat Ali said although acceptance and use of technology for seeking medical assistance is very low in Pakistan but introduction of new technological solutions can benefit both patients and doctors in the country.

Accompanied by Women Cricket Team Fast Bowler Kainat Aziz, Abdus Samad Siddiqui of Pharmevo, Dr. Iqbal Ahmed from Ziauddin Hospital, Raheel Akhtar from Rshni Rides, Sarim Rehman and others, Dr. Mohabat Ali maintained that government should support such platforms instead of creating obstacles for the technological platforms as they would lover the burden of public health departments and facilitate people.

“People remained concerned about finding a suitable doctor in their own area at their preferred timings and sometimes it becomes very difficult. But Physio Online, the health application for the android and iOS users is a blessing for both physiotherapists and patients in Pakistan,” he observed.

Dr. Mohabat Ali said people should download this application from the play store and access the services of the physiotherapists in their respective areas and added that even doctors and physiotherapists could register themselves with the online platform to remain connected with their potential clients and patients.

Kainat Aziz, the women cricket team fast bowler, hailed the launching of physiotherapy application, saying a large number of people including sportsmen and women were not even aware of the importance of physiotherapy and when they get hurt during sports or physical activity, they come to know the importance of physiotherapists.

“I’m really glad that now I can acquire the service of any physiotherapist, especially a female physiotherapist near to my residence or any other area of Pakistan where I go for playing cricket”, she said adding urged women to taking part in sports and physical activities to remain fit and healthy.

Abdus Samad Siddiqui, Director Sales and Marketing of the pharmaceutical firm that introduced the online health application said they have come up with an innovative solution that can connect over 4000 physiotherapists in entire Pakistan with hundreds of thousands of patients, who can access the services of physiotherapists in their area on the pattern of ride hailing services Careem and Uber.

“We have come up with a unique, free of charge mobile health application Physio Online that can connect patients with over 4000 physiotherapists in entire Pakistan and seek their services either at home or at physiotherapy centers”, said Abdus Samad Siddiqui, Director of Pharmevo, while addressing a news conference at Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Monday.