Common questions about the Koshi telemedicine program.

The primary goal is to improve access to primary healthcare for disadvantaged groups in Nepal by using digital technology to overcome geographical, financial, and social barriers.

Tele-expertise is a telemedicine approach where health workers at peripheral health posts contact doctors or specialists at BPKIHS for diagnosis, management, or a second medical opinion.

The project is being rolled out in health centers and health posts across Koshi Province, Nepal.

Health posts are equipped with tablet computers and use available internet access for scheduled teleconsultations.

Local health workers connect with BPKIHS doctors or specialists. Female Community Health Volunteers also support awareness and community engagement.

Each health post has a dedicated teleconsultation day coordinated with the BPKIHS team so specialists are available online.

The project focuses on general primary care and may include specialist teleconsultations for maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health, pediatrics, and chronic illnesses.

Teleconsultations are elective and are not intended for conditions requiring immediate hospital treatment.

Patients in rural areas can access medical expertise closer to home, reducing travel distance, travel time, and care-seeking costs.

Telemedicine aims to reduce access barriers for women, including mobility limits, family responsibilities, and distance from higher-level facilities.

The project aims to reduce unnecessary patient referrals, with a goal of at least a 10% reduction among patients receiving teleconsultations.

The project improves coordination between professionals, supports better use of medical resources, and extends healthcare reach to remote locations.

Telemedicine can improve access to health information and enable services in local languages, empowering rural and marginalized communities.

The project is working with government stakeholders, building local capacity, and exploring sustainable models for long-term service delivery.