Digital Healthcare as a means to enable access for the underprevilidged – Sehat Kahani a success story

About the project

Sehat Kahani aims to democratize healthcare ensuring easy accessibility to quality healthcare for the population who are particularly deprived of it by building a network of Physicians who can get connected to patients in real-time using our telemedicine platform. Sehat Kahani is a telemedicine-based Impact Business that aims to democratize healthcare by utilizing a network of 7,500 physicians; predominantly females, connecting them with patients through affordable & convenient e-health solutions. We enable this access through two ways, for the marginalized communities we create nurse-assisted telemedicine E-Health centers, and for the urban market, we have a<; ; /span> user’s access to our services. Our USP is to enable a consultation within 60 seconds 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. corporate as well as consumer mobile application

• • By successfully executing our solution, we are present across communities in the form of 63 E-Health Clinics allowing access to the most marginalized and vulnerable populations access to quality healthcare. 
  • Our Consumer Application has over 1.5 Million users and is used in over 312 Cities/Districts.
  • Our Corporate Application is being used by 720+ Corporations with leading Banking sector and FMCG including HBL, Meezan Bank, Coca Cola Pakistan, UBank, Mobilink Microfinance Bank, Nestle to name a few.   
  • Collectively through all the above mediums, we have successfully done 12.6 Million Consultations across all the channels.

Sehat Kahani addresses these market failures with consistent, sustainable, and easily replicable digital solutions through three unique online services:

1. E-Health Hubs and Health Education: By using trusted intermediaries in the communities and their local health infrastructure, we create Sehat Kahani E-Health Hubs where a front-line worker is trained via a 5-step training on medical knowledge, leadership, and soft skills to connect patients in these Hubs to qualified home-based female physicians and skills specialists using video consultation and Electronic Medical Records systems. We are now present in the 4 provinces along with the State of Kashmir through the establishment of 63 E-Health centers.  
   
2. Mobile Application:For those middle- and high-income populations that can afford healthcare but face time constraints in being able to visit a doctor, Sehat Kahani provides access to an efficient E -health solution based on its web as well as mobile application platforms available in both android as well as IOS to achieve health coverage along with obtaining a quick consultation and can keep track of their health history and generating digital prescriptions. Our mobile application has a consumer solution that has over 1.5 Million users. Our corporate solution currently provides services to 720+ independent corporate clients which include companies such as HBL, Roche, Syngenta, and Meezan Bank
3.  24/7 Tele-Helpline: After the world encountered the noble pandemic along with educating the population/ on the paths of telemedicine, Sehat Kahani identified the need to assist those who are on the same page of not being able to access healthcare services physically, yet also lack modern and financial means to connect via tele-applications. Here Sehat Kahani launched the telephonic helplines services in collaboration with Lifebuoy.
4. Well-being Portfolio: Mental health has always been a very ignored component of overall healthcare worldwide. Sehat Kahani recognized this gap early on and hence ventured into this area. Sehat Kahani broadened its horizons and contributed to addressing mental health concerns pertaining to creating its awareness as well as enabling accessibility. Under this umbrella, Sehat Kahani has expanded its services to provide easy and equalized mental health support to all with our partners British Asian Trust.
5. E-Pharmacy: As a significant component of Sehat Kahani’s holistic healthcare approach, the organization incorporates an E-pharmacy portal. This portal allows users to access a wide range of medicines through digital platforms, ensuring improved availability and accessibility. The E-pharmacy initiative not only complements Sehat Kahani’s telemedicine services but also addresses the critical aspect of medication availability, enhancing the overall impact on healthcare.

Nationally with direct reach to more than 3.2 million beneficiaries cumulatively and provision of health education and promotion to more than < a i=3>7.1 million users our telemedicine platform has increased awareness towards vital health disparities thereby reducing the burden on the economy, and improving the health status. This is a USD 51 Billion market in Pakistan and Sehat Kahani is leading the charge to digitize it with the vision to enable quality, accessible, and affordable primary health care for 10% of the Pakistani population in the next 5 years.

Sehat Kahani, recognizing the gravity of these intertwined challenges, has embarked on a holistic initiative. This multifaceted approach not only addresses the shortage of healthcare professionals and medicine inaccessibility but also confronts cultural barriers, gender disparities, and systemic issues that contribute to the overall healthcare crisis in Pakistan. In navigating this complex landscape, Sehat Kahani’s initiative seeks to revolutionize healthcare delivery, making it more equitable, accessible, and transformative for the diverse communities it serves.

1. Inaccessibility of Marginalized Communities, Especially Women and Children: Quality healthcare is often inaccessible to marginalized communities, particularly women and children, due to various factors. The lack of female doctors, coupled with cultural taboos preventing male doctors from examining women, restricts access to medical services. Sehat Kahani’s initiative specifically addresses the inaccessibility faced by marginalized communities, working towards creating healthcare solutions that are inclusive and culturally sensitive.
2. Shortage of Healthcare Professionals: The initiative addresses the critical challenge of a severe shortage of healthcare professionals in Pakistan. With a doctor-to-patient ratio of 0.5:1000 in a population of 230 million, the scarcity of medical professionals leaves a substantial portion of the population without adequate medical support. Sehat Kahani’s holistic approach aims to bridge this gap and ensure more equitable access to healthcare services.
3. Gender Disparity Among Physicians: A significant gender disparity exists among physicians in Pakistan, where approximately 80% are female, yet an alarming 60% of these female doctors do not actively practice medicine. The societal challenges faced by female doctors, including cultural taboos and lack of family support, contribute to this gender gap. Sehat Kahani recognizes and aims to mitigate the impact of these challenges, working towards fostering an environment where female doctors can actively contribute to healthcare.
4. Emigration of Doctors: The emigration of 15% of doctors in pursuit of better opportunities exacerbates the healthcare shortage in Pakistan. Sehat Kahani’s initiative seeks to address the root causes behind this emigration, offering solutions that encourage doctors to stay and contribute to the healthcare ecosystem within the country.
5. Medicine Inaccessibility: Reports from the World Health Organization highlight the challenges in ensuring sufficient access to essential medicines in Pakistan. Inefficiencies in distribution systems, limited access to pharmacies, regional disparities, and the prevalence of alternative medicine practices collectively contribute to medicine inaccessibility. Sehat Kahani’s holistic approach includes strategies to improve the distribution of medicines, enhance accessibility, and promote the appropriate use of essential medications.
6. Challenges Faced by Female Doctors: Despite constituting the majority of health professionals in Pakistan, female doctors face challenges in pursuing medical careers after marriage or childbirth. Cultural taboos, lack of support from family, and societal barriers limit the opportunities for female doctors. Sehat Kahani aims to empower and support female doctors, contributing to the overall improvement of the healthcare workforce.
7. Inadequate Distribution and Limited Access to Pharmacies: The initiative tackles the challenge of inadequate distribution systems and limited access to pharmacies, particularly in rural and remote areas. Sehat Kahani’s approach includes strategies to improve the distribution of medicines, ensuring a more even and widespread availability.
8. Regional Disparities in Medication Availability: Disparities in medication availability across different regions further contribute to the overall problem. Sehat Kahani’s initiatives address these regional disparities, aiming to ensure that essential medications are accessible to all, regardless of geographical location.
9. Insufficient Spending on Healthcare: The total GDP spent on health in Pakistan is only 0.9% of the total GDP, significantly below the 12% level recommended by the WHO. Sehat Kahani’s holistic approach aligns with the need for increased investment in healthcare, advocating for a more substantial financial commitment to address the systemic issues contributing to the healthcare crisis.
10. Prevalence of Alternative Medicine Practices: The high prevalence of healers, quacks, and alternative forms of medicine practiced in certain areas adds complexity to the healthcare problem. Sehat Kahani’s initiatives promote evidence-based healthcare practices, aiming to reduce dependence on non-traditional approaches and ensure the availability of accurate and appropriate medical interventions.

Sehat Kahani’s proposed solution is not just a healthcare initiative; it’s a pioneering force led by women with over seven years of invaluable experience in the telemedicine industry. Founded and operated by visionary female physicians, Dr. Sara Saeed Khurram and Dr. Iffat Zafar Aga, Sehat Kahani is driven by a passionate commitment to democratize healthcare in Pakistan. Their leadership, coupled with the organization’s seven years of hands-on experience, significantly differentiates Sehat Kahani from other available solutions.

The initiative’s uniqueness lies in its multifaceted strategy, leveraging economic resources, E-Health, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to bridge the healthcare gap. Unlike conventional telemedicine approaches, Sehat Kahani’s approach involves upgrading basic health centers in low-income communities into advanced electronic health platforms. This upgrade encompasses licensed telemedicine software with essential features like electronic medical records (EMR), live video consultations, electronic prescribing, and basic screening tools. A pivotal aspect of Sehat Kahani’s approach is the involvement of a network of trained intermediaries, primarily consisting of female field health professionals such as nurses, midwives, and community health workers. These intermediaries play a crucial role in facilitating communication between the community and online female doctors, making the electronic health platforms comprehensive one-stop shops for primary care services.

Sehat Kahani doesn’t stop at reactive healthcare; it actively manages preventive health messages and employs community health models. This proactive stance empowers communities, especially those with limited access to healthcare education, fostering a culture of preventive care. The initiative’s extensive network and corporate partnerships further contribute to its added value. With 65 E-Clinics and over 7500 trained health professionals, Sehat Kahani has established itself as a telemedicine pioneer, gaining a first-mover advantage with seven years of successful operation. Its mobile application is accessible across 720+ corporations, reflecting a strategic integration into the corporate sector. This diverse network enables Sehat Kahani to provide specialized access to mental well-being experts, addressing a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of healthcare. In addressing the availability of authentic medicines, Sehat Kahani’s initiative focuses on improving accessibility and ensuring the availability of quality medications. This involves strategic partnerships with pharmacies, streamlined distribution systems, and measures to combat regional disparities in medication availability. By tackling medicine inaccessibility, Sehat Kahani aims to create a more reliable and comprehensive healthcare system.

Sehat Kahani, with her women-led leadership and seven years of industry expertise, stands as a transformative force in healthcare accessibility in Pakistan. The commitment of its founders and the organization’s track record of success underscores its dedication to revolutionizing healthcare for the better.