First paperless BHU opens in Islamabad

Facility offers remote consultations, electronic medical records & digital prescriptions

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan's first operational, paperless and telemedicine-enabled Basic Healthcare Unit (BHU) has been inaugurated in Gokina, Islamabad under the Federal BHU Digitalisation Programme.

The launch marks a major milestone in the modernisation of primary healthcare in the country. The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, in collaboration with digital healthcare organization Sehat Kahani, formally inaugurated BHU Gokina as the first fully functional digital-first BHU in Pakistan.

This initiative represents more than just the upgrade of a single facility. It establishes a practical working model that demonstrates how primary care can transition from fragmented, paper-based processes to an integrated, accountable, and data-driven system within real public sector conditions.

At BHU Gokina, digital-first care is now live. Patients benefit from structured digital registration, secure teleconsultations with qualified doctors and specialists, electronic medical records, and digital prescriptions. On-site nursing staff play a central role by conducting triage, facilitating virtual consultations, and ensuring continuity of care through regular follow-ups.

Speaking at the inauguration, Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal emphasised the transformative role of technology in public healthcare: "Actions speak louder than words, and today our vision is visible on the ground. Through telemedicine, we are committed to filling Pakistan's healthcare gaps and ensuring that timely, quality care reaches every community, regardless of distance or limitations."

Dr Sara Saeed Khurram, Co-founder and CEO of Sehat Kahani, welcomed the initiative and highlighted its potential impact: "This inauguration represents a new era for primary healthcare in Pakistan.

By integrating telemedicine, digital medical records, and seamless follow-ups, we are enabling communities to access qualified healthcare without delays while empowering on-site staff to deliver more coordinated and informed care."

The Gokina telemedicine center is equipped with Sehat Kahani's digital infrastructure, including secure video consultation facilities, electronic medical records, digital prescriptions, and integrated pharmacy management systems. Trained nursing staff on-site facilitate patient care and ensure smooth coordination across consultations.

Dr Iffat Zafar Aga, Co-founder and COO of Sehat Kahani, added: "A paperless, connected primary care system strengthens accountability, efficiency, and clinical decision-making. BHU Gokina serves as a scalable digital healthcare model that can be expanded across Pakistan."