ISDB
Empowering Women. Healing Nations. Transforming Futures
Educast & Islamic Development Bank: Unlocking the Power of eDoctors
In a country where over 35,000+ qualified female doctors are not actively practicing due to domestic, cultural, or logistical barriers, Educast, with the generous support of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), launched an ambitious initiative to bring them back into healthcare—virtually. Through this partnership, Educast has built one of the world’s first telehealth platforms powered by trained, home-based Pakistani women doctors—known as eDoctors.
This pioneering effort has given new life and purpose to thousands of out-of-practice female physicians, enabling them to serve their communities, support national health efforts, and deliver critical care—all from the safety and convenience of their homes.
A Game Changer in Maternal and Child Health (MNCH)
Thanks to IsDB’s strategic investment, Educast has trained and deployed hundreds of female eDoctors to deliver telemedicine consultations in mother and child health, particularly in underserved areas of Pakistan. These eDoctors have:
- Provided antenatal, postnatal, and child nutrition counseling via phone and video consultations.
- Offered round-the-clock medical advice for young mothers in rural and urban areas alike.
- Supported national efforts to reduce maternal mortality through timely intervention and referral.
By reactivating these highly skilled professionals, Educast has strengthened Pakistan’s MNCH workforce without building a single new facility—just by using the digital bridge powered by IsDB’s vision and funding.
From Pakistan to the World: A Lifeline During Global Crisis
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of eDoctors became even more critical. Under the IsDB-supported telehealth system, 450 female eDoctors from 16 countries stepped up to form Pakistan’s largest virtual health response team.
In coordination with the Government of Sindh’s COVID Cell, these eDoctors:
- Handled over 500,000 COVID-positive patients under home isolation.
- Used Educast’s COVID Dialing App to call, monitor, and support infected individuals daily.
- Advised families, issued referrals, and reduced panic during peak waves.
This model was not just effective—it was celebrated. Stanford University recognized the Educast initiative, training these eDoctors in COVID-19 care aligned with WHO and CDC standards, and later published an international research paper based on the project’s success.
Cross-Border Impact in Conflict Zones
Educast’s IsDB-backed platform didn’t stop at borders. During humanitarian emergencies in Afghanistan, Yemen, and Sudan, the same network of eDoctors provided:
- Remote consultations for displaced populations.
- Tele-triage and disease surveillance support for clinics in war-affected areas.
- Emotional and mental health support for women and children in isolation.
With low bandwidth connectivity and mobile-based access, Educast proved that female doctors sitting at home in Karachi or Lahore could save lives in Kabul and Aden.
Conclusion: A Vision Fulfilled
The support of the Islamic Development Bank has transformed lives—for doctors, mothers, and patients alike. By enabling digital reintegration of Pakistan’s hidden medical workforce, this initiative is now a globally admired model of resilience, inclusion, and innovation.
“From inactive to impactful — from homes to hospitals — Educast’s eDoctors are rewriting the story of women in healthcare.”
Contact Us to join hands in expanding this life-saving model:
www.educast.co.uk
info@educast.co.uk