Role of Telemedicine in follow up and monitoring of people with Haemophilia in Northern Pakistan

Pakistan Haemophila welfare society is the National member organization looking after persons with Haemophila in Pakistan (PWH). It´s Rawalpindi/Islamabad chapter is providing care to 230 registered patients in Northern Pakistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir. The absence of Medical facilities coupled with financial constraints and lack of transport facility in remote areas leads to immense problems in care and follow up. Telemedicine is a unique way of overcoming these barriers in management. This is a preliminary experience to reach out to PWH spread out in different geographic locations. 10 PWH with access to and having basic computer skills have been identified. Telemedicine and E- health training center, at Holy family hospital has trained both Staff of PHPWS and PWH. Customized user friendly software has helped in seeking urgent and prompt Consultations with Specialists, and avoiding unnecessary travel. This initial experience will be utilized to extend these services to PWH in other areas of the country.