Telehealth for mountainous and remote areas of northern Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan is ranked 124 out of 191 countries in terms of health care. About a third of the population lives below the poverty line, with unhygienic living conditions, poor health, and food and water insecurity. As a consequence, there is a high burden of infectious and chronic diseases among people in Pakistan, especially women and children. Poor nutrition and repeated infections have aggravated the situation. According to a health assessment conducted by the Aga Khan University, Pakistan ranks 157th in the world in terms of infant mortality, and 39th in child mortality. Moreover, with agriculture being the main occupation in the country, the majority of the population still live in rural and remote areas that are underprivileged in terms of access to basic health care services.