PARBAT: A telemedicine centre, brought into operation at Thanamaula of Phalebas Municipality-8 in Parbat by the local Char Bhanjyang Service Centre, has been providing its services to a good number of people, winning their trust.

Locals have benefitted by the operation of the centre which provides telemedicine services and health counselling for epilepsy, mental health problems, and other health issues related to urinary system, skin and neurology.

As stated by Char Bhanjyang Health Centre's chief Roshan Gurung, health services have been accessible to locals with the operation of the telemedicine centre.

Telemedicine refers to remote delivery of health services by the means of telecommunication and information technology through which healthcare providers and patients make a two-way communication, wherein the former listen to the patients' problems, evaluate, make diagnosis, and recommend them required treatment or steps ahead.

The centre provides the services to patients through Skype where medical specialists and doctors from home and abroad are available for the patients' convenience.

Local Arjun Kunwar (38) said he had been having a difficult time even in his day to day movement due to neurological issues. But now the problem has been normalised following the treatment he acquired through the consultation of a foreign doctor. The centre made it possible for him. He underwent a surgery of his throat nerve on the recommendation of the doctor he met on Skype at the centre.

According to him, there are many other people who have been living a normal life after receiving healthcare services from the centre for different health-related problems.

The centre refers patients to other health facilities, in coordination with the Western Regional Hospital in Pokhara, if they need to be admitted to a hospital.

It was established in 2066 BS on the initiation of Char Bhanjyang Tamu Society based in the UK. Up to 25 people visit the centre on a daily basis these days. It welcomes people from Kushma Municipality, Mahashila Rural Municipality, Bihadi Rural Municipality as well as neighbouring districts Baglung and Gulmi.

Besides all these, the centre conducts free health camps in presence of medical experts from abroad every year, targeting the local population. It has been launching a Health Education Campaign for health awareness of people. In addition to these services, an ambulance service is also in the offing.