COMSATS to assist with telehealth training

WHO to provide master trainers in first phase

ISLAMABAD: The Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO), the health ministry and the federal government for training doctors and paramedics involved in providing telehealth services on reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH).

The first phase of the training will be held from June to 8-12 and will aim at building the relevant capacity of doctors working for maternal and child healthcare services.

The training and the telehealth system aim to aid the overwhelmed healthcare system of the country which is groaning under the weight of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) patients. The threat of the virus has led to the closure of regular outpatient departments (OPDs) in some areas of the country amidst a lockdown - imposed to prevent the virus from spreading. In other areas, doctors are refusing to sit in OPDs even if they are open for fear of contracting the virus.

For this phase of the training, master trainers from the WHO will train participants, including some from COMSATS’ Tele-clinics, the Human Development Foundation (HDF) and Sehat Kahani, by using various demonstrative tools and equipment.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2020.