Access to healthcare has always been difficult in Pakistan. According to the 2024-25 Economic Survey, there is about 1 doctor for every 750,000 people, which is much lower than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of 1 doctor per 1,000 people. Around 63% of Pakistan’s population lives in rural areas, where getting basic medical care is even harder.
However, things are changing.
Since COVID-19, online doctor consultations in Pakistan have been booming. Platforms like Marham are making it easier than ever for patients in both rural and urban areas to see a doctor through video calls and verified appointments. The market is set to reach US$42.27 million in 2025, showing remarkable growth and rising demand.
Platforms like Marham, Sehat Kahani, and Dawaai have played a quiet but significant role in this transformation. It connects patients with verified doctors through simple video calls and online appointments.
Why Online Consultations Are Gaining Popularity
The appeal of online medical consultations is straightforward: convenience, cost savings, and accessibility.
For a working mother in a small town, taking a day off to travel to a city hospital is not always possible. For an elderly person with mobility issues, waiting in crowded hospital queues can be exhausting. Online consultations remove these barriers. Patients can speak to qualified doctors from their homes within hours of booking.
Cost is another factor. Hospital visits in Pakistan come with hidden expenses like travel fares, time off work, and sometimes overnight stays. A virtual consultation cuts most of these costs. This makes healthcare more affordable for middle and lower-income families.
Research shows that telemedicine is highly satisfying for patients in Pakistan. Studies report that 80-90% of patients feel it improves access to healthcare and makes consultations more comfortable. Most doctors and medical students also believe that Pakistan will widely accept telemedicine in the coming years. The trust is building, slowly but steadily.
Benefits of Online Medical Consultations
Online medical consultations offer several advantages that are hard to ignore:
Time-saving:
What might take an entire day (travelling, waiting, consulting) can now be done in 15-20 minutes.
Access to specialists:
Patients in smaller cities can consult dermatologists, cardiologists, or psychiatrists based in Lahore, Karachi, or Islamabad without leaving their homes.
Easier follow-up care:
Patients recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions like diabetes can check in with their doctors regularly without repeated hospital visits.
Privacy and comfort:
Many people, especially women, hesitate to discuss sensitive health issues in busy hospital settings. A private video call provides a comfortable space for open conversation.
Simplified booking:
Healthcare platforms allow patients to browse doctor profiles, read reviews, compare fees, and select convenient time slots, all from their phones.
Limitations of Online Consultations
Of course, online consultations are not without their drawbacks:
No physical examination:
A doctor can listen to your symptoms over a call. However, they cannot feel a lump, check your blood pressure, or examine a wound properly. Conditions requiring hands-on diagnosis still need in-person visits.
Internet connectivity issues:
In many rural areas, unstable connections and frequent power outages make video consultations unreliable. Studies on telemedicine in Pakistan found that poor bandwidth and voice distortions were common patient complaints.
Trust concerns:
Some patients, especially older generations, feel more comfortable with face-to-face interactions and may not fully trust a diagnosis delivered through a screen.
Not suitable for emergencies:
Severe infections, accidents, or conditions requiring immediate intervention need hospital care. Online consultations cannot replace emergency services.
Best Practices for Patients
To get the most out of virtual healthcare, patients should follow these simple practices:
Prepare before your appointment: Write down your symptoms, current medications, and questions you want to ask. This saves time and helps the doctor understand your situation better.
Choose verified platforms: Not every telemedicine app is trustworthy. Look for platforms that list qualified, PMC-registered doctors with genuine patient reviews.
Be honest with your doctor: Share your complete medical history, even if some details feel uncomfortable. Accurate information leads to better advice.
Know when to visit in person: If a doctor recommends a physical check-up, diagnostic test, or hospital visit, do not delay. You can easily find trusted hospitals near you via Marham for in-person care. Online consultations are a helpful first step, not a replacement for all types of care.
Conclusion
Online medical consultations are reshaping how Pakistanis access healthcare. They are not perfect, but for routine check-ups, follow-ups, and initial consultations, they offer a practical and affordable solution.
As internet access improves and more people become comfortable with technology, telemedicine will only grow. Platforms like Marham are connecting patients with trusted doctors. They are making quality healthcare reachable, even for those who once thought it was out of their hands.
The future of healthcare in Pakistan is not just in hospitals. It is also in your pocket.