Advancing its vision to empower societies across the nation, Telenor Pakistan has partnered with Novo Nordisk to raise health awareness across rural Pakistan. Under the partnership agreement, Telenor Pakistan will educate its Khushaal Watan (mAgri) users via SMS and Khushaal Zamindar live shows to create reliable diabetes awareness, its symptoms and the need for referral to the doctor. In addition, Telenor Pakistan will create awareness about diabetes to users through its flagship rural health service Khushaal Sehat.
Millions of Pakistanis, particularly in rural areas, are deprived of access to adequate health facilities, one of the largest barriers to healthcare. The unequal distribution of coverage contributes to disparities in health. For every doctor around the country, there are 1,700 patients in need of care. The Covid-19 global pandemic came as a stern wake-up call for the entire world, paving the way for telemedicine to make up for the shortcomings of traditional healthcare. Telenor Pakistan and Novo Nordisk are playing a pivotal role to ensure people have access to the best quality healthcare, now in the palm of their hands, empowering over 16 million rural customers through Khushaal Watan.
Commenting on the partnership, Chief Operating Officer Telenor Pakistan, Khurrum Ashfaque said, “The core purpose of our Khushaal Watan (M-Agri) portfolio is to develop it as a lifestyle digital platform of choice for agricultural communities, as we offer necessary tools for a healthier, more prosperous Pakistan. We’re committed to bringing benefits and solutions possible through our 4G network to every Pakistani. The collaboration with Novo Nordisk, a first of its kind, is a development towards the same aim, providing accessible digital healthcare solutions and information that contribute towards healthier lifestyles and consequently the economy.”
Present on the occasion, the General Manager and Vice President of Novo Nordisk, Rashed Rafique Butt commented, “Pakistan is now the 3rd largest country in the world with 33 million people living with diabetes. This is a call for everyone to join hands and do whatever it takes to curb this unfolding pandemic. I am very delighted to announce that Novo Nordisk and Telenor have partnered for diabetes which will certainly help us to raise awareness and direct people to take preventive measures and seek consultation from the doctor whenever needed.”
Telenor continues to strive towards inclusion and innovation, and with the addition of Novo Nordisk to its Khushaal Watan (M-Agri) platform, it has put forth the latest in a series of initiatives designed by Telenor Pakistan to create a better connected and healthier Digital Pakistan.