Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Health

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Health and Well-being

ICT has revolutionized healthcare by improving accessibility, efficiency, and patient care. One of the key advancements is
telemedicine, which enables remote consultations, diagnosis, and treatment through digital platforms, reducing the need for
physical visits. In Pakistan, platforms like OLADOC, Sehat Kahani, and Marham provide online doctor consultations,
medical appointments, and health advice, making healthcare more accessible, especially in remote areas. These digital
solutions enhance well-being by offering instant medical support, electronic health records, and AI-driven diagnostics,
ultimately bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers.
Fitness and Tracking Devices
Fitness and tracking devices play a vital role in monitoring physical activity, heart rate, sleep patterns, and overall health.
Popular platforms like Google Fit, Apple Health, and Samsung Health provide real-time health insights and personalized
fitness goals. Wearable devices such as Xiaomi Mi Band, Fitbit, and Garmin help track steps, calories, and workouts,
promoting a healthier lifestyle. Apps like Runkeeper and Strava assist in tracking running and cycling activities with
GPS-based analytics. These technologies encourage users to stay active, maintain fitness goals, and improve overall well-
being.

Google Fit
Introduction
Google Fit is a health-tracking platform developed by Google in 2014 to help users monitor and improve their fitness and
well-being through smart data insights. It works by collecting data from smartphone sensors and wearable devices to
provide accurate health metrics. Designed in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the
American Heart Association (AHA), it promotes a healthier lifestyle through guided fitness goals and personalized
activity recommendations.
Main Features:
1. Activity Tracking: Tracks daily steps, distance traveled, active minutes, heart rate, and calories burned using
smartphone sensors and compatible smartwatches.
2. Heart Points & Move Minutes: Encourages users to stay active by awarding Move Minutes for any physical
activity and Heart Points for more intense exercises like brisk walking or running.
3. Integration with Other Apps: Seamlessly syncs with health and fitness apps like Strava, Runkeeper,
MyFitnessPal, Fitbit, and Sleep As Android to provide a unified health dashboard.
4. User-Friendly Interface: Features a clean, intuitive design with easy-to-read graphs, daily progress reports, and
goal-setting options for a personalized fitness journey.
Usage & Importance of Google Fit
Google Fit helps users maintain a healthy lifestyle by tracking physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns. It promotes
fitness through Heart Points and Move Minutes, encouraging regular movement. The app integrates with various health
and fitness platforms, providing a centralized health dashboard. Users can set personalized fitness goals and monitor
progress effortlessly. Its simplicity and real-time insights make it an ideal tool for both beginners and fitness enthusiasts.
Merits of Google Fit:
1. Free & Easy to Use – No subscription required, with a simple interface.
2. Activity Tracking – Monitors steps, workouts, and heart rate accurately.
3. Seamless App Integration – Syncs with third-party apps and wearables.
4. Personalized Fitness Goals – Users can customize health targets.
5. Encourages Active Lifestyle – WHO & AHA-backed metrics promote better health.
Demerits of Google Fit:
1. Limited Accuracy – Step counting and calorie tracking may not always be precise.
2. Lack of Advanced Features – No built-in meal tracking or advanced workout plans.
3. Device Dependency – Requires compatible wearables for full functionality.
4. Battery Drain – Continuous tracking may impact phone battery life.
5. No Social Features – Lacks challenges or community interaction for motivation.
Samsung Health
Introduction
Samsung Health is a comprehensive health and fitness app developed by Samsung in 2012 to help users track their physical
activities, wellness, and overall health. It provides real-time insights into fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being,
integrating with Samsung wearables and other devices. The app aims to promote a balanced lifestyle through guided
workouts, health monitoring, and personalized recommendations.
Main Features:
1. Fitness Tracking: Tracks steps, workouts, heart rate, and calories burned using smartphone sensors and Samsung
wearables.
2. Community Challenges: Allows users to participate in step challenges and compete with friends or global users for
motivation.
3. Health Insight: Provides detailed health reports, stress tracking, and guided meditation for overall well-being.
4. Sleep Monitoring: Analyzes sleep patterns, tracks snoring, and provides insights to improve sleep quality.

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 5. Nutrition Tracking: Helps monitor calorie intake, water consumption, and meal logs for better diet management.
Usage & Importance of Samsung Health
Samsung Health helps users maintain a holistic approach to wellness by tracking fitness, nutrition, and sleep. It encourages
an active lifestyle through step goals and workout tracking. The app provides personalized insights to help users improve
their health habits. With its community challenges, it adds a social and competitive element to fitness motivation.
Merits of Samsung Health:
1. Comprehensive Health Tracking – Covers fitness, sleep, stress, and nutrition in one app.
2. Integration with Samsung Wearables – Works seamlessly with Galaxy Watches and fitness devices.
3. Community Engagement – Offers challenges to compete with friends and global users.
4. User-Friendly Interface – Clean design with easy navigation and health insights.
Demerits of Samsung Health:
1. Limited Third-Party Integration – Does not sync well with non-Samsung wearables.
2. Samsung-Exclusive Features – Some advanced features require a Samsung device.
3. Battery Drain – Continuous health tracking can reduce battery life.
4. No iOS Full Support – Limited functionality on non-Samsung or iPhone devices.

Apple Health
Introduction
Apple Health is a health and wellness app developed by Apple in 2014 to help users track and manage their fitness, activity,
and overall well-being. It acts as a centralized hub for health data, collecting information from Apple devices, third-party
apps, and medical records. The app focuses on holistic health monitoring, including physical activity, heart rate, sleep, and
nutrition.
Main Features:
1. Fitness Tracking: Monitors steps, workouts, heart rate, and calories burned using iPhone sensors and Apple Watch.
2. Activity Rings: Displays three rings—Move, Exercise, and Stand—to encourage daily physical activity and reduce
sedentary behavior.
3. Health Insight: Provides personalized health trends, heart rate variability, and other key health metrics for better
decision-making.
4. Data Aggregation: Syncs data from fitness apps, medical devices, and wearables into one dashboard for easy
tracking.
5. Health Records: Securely stores medical records, lab results, and immunization history, allowing users to access and
share data with healthcare providers.
Usage & Importance of Apple Health
Apple Health promotes a data-driven approach to wellness by consolidating fitness, heart health, and medical records in
one place. It encourages users to stay active through Activity Rings and personalized fitness goals. The app provides
valuable health insights that help users monitor their well-being over time. Its seamless integration with Apple Watch and
medical institutions makes it a powerful tool for proactive health management.

Merits of Apple Health:

1. Comprehensive Health Tracking – Monitors activity, sleep, heart rate, and medical records in one place.
2. Seamless Apple Ecosystem Integration – Works flawlessly with Apple Watch, iPhone, and third-party apps.
3. Personalized Health Insights – Offers trends, summaries, and alerts for better health awareness.
4. Medical Record Storage – Securely stores and syncs lab results, immunization records, and prescriptions.
5. Privacy & Security – Uses advanced encryption to protect sensitive health data.

Xiaomi Mi Band:

Introduction
Xiaomi Mi Band is an affordable and feature-rich fitness tracker developed by Xiaomi, designed to monitor health and
activity. It offers step tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and workout tracking at a budget-friendly price.
Known for its lightweight design and long battery life, it provides essential health insights without the need for expensive
smartwatches.
Main Features:
1. Activity Tracking: Tracks steps, distance, calories burned, and various workout modes like running, cycling, and
swimming.
2. Heart Rate Monitoring: Provides real-time heart rate tracking, alerts for abnormal heart rates, and stress monitoring.
3. Sleep Tracking: Analyzes sleep patterns, including deep and light sleep, to improve sleep quality.
4. Long Battery Life: Offers up to 14-20 days of battery life on a single charge, reducing frequent charging needs.
5. Water Resistance: Certified with 5ATM water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and daily use in wet
conditions.
Usage & Importance of Xiaomi Mi Band
Xiaomi Mi Band helps users track daily activities, monitor heart health, and improve sleep quality with affordable
and accurate fitness tracking. Its long battery life and lightweight design make it ideal for continuous health

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monitoring. The water resistance feature allows users to wear it in various environments without worry. As an entry-level
fitness tracker, it provides essential health insights without the high cost of premium smartwatches.
Merits of Xiaomi Mi Band:
1. Affordable & Value for Money – Provides advanced fitness tracking at a budget-friendly price.
2. Long Battery Life – Lasts up to 14-20 days on a single charge, reducing charging hassle.
3. Lightweight & Comfortable – Slim design makes it easy to wear all day and night.
4. Accurate Tracking – Offers reliable step counting, heart rate monitoring, and sleep analysis.
5. Water Resistance – 5ATM rating makes it suitable for swimming and daily use.

Runkeeper
Introduction
Runkeeper is a popular fitness tracking app developed by FitnessKeeper, Inc. and launched in 2009, later acquired by
ASICS in 2016. It helps users track their running, walking, and cycling activities using GPS technology for real-time
data. The app offers customized training plans, progress tracking, and audio-guided workouts, making it ideal for all
fitness levels.
Main Features:
1. GPS Tracking: Uses real-time GPS to track running, walking, and cycling routes with accurate distance and pace
measurements.
2. Training Plans: Provides structured programs for weight loss, marathon training, and endurance improvement based
on fitness levels.
3. Audio Cues: Offers real-time voice updates on pace, distance, and time to keep users motivated during workouts.
4. Social Features: Allows users to connect with friends, participate in challenges, and share achievements to stay
engaged.
5. Progress Tracking: Analyzes past runs, sets goals, and provides detailed performance insights for continuous
improvement.
Usage & Importance of Runkeeper
Runkeeper is essential for tracking workouts, setting goals, and maintaining fitness motivation through structured
training plans. Its precise GPS tracking helps users monitor their outdoor activities with accuracy. The audio cues and
social engagement make workouts more interactive and goal-driven. Whether for casual fitness enthusiasts or serious
runners, Runkeeper provides essential tools for improving performance and staying active.

Merits of Runkeeper:
1. Accurate GPS Tracking – Provides precise distance, pace, and route mapping for outdoor activities.
2. Personalized Training Plans – Offers structured workouts for beginners to marathon runners.
3. Audio Guidance & Motivation – Real-time voice updates keep users engaged during workouts.
4. Strong Social & Community Features – Encourages competition, challenges, and goal-sharing with friends.
5. Comprehensive Progress Analysis – Tracks running history, trends, and goal achievements for continuous
improvement.

Telemedicine and Online Health Consultation

Telemedicine is a modern healthcare approach that enables remote medical consultations, diagnosis, and treatment
through digital platforms. It provides patients with easy access to doctors via video calls, chats, and online prescriptions,
reducing the need for physical visits. In Pakistan, platforms like Sehat Kahani, Marham, and OLADOC have made
healthcare more accessible, especially in remote areas. Sehat Kahani connects patients with certified doctors, focusing on
underserved communities. Marham allows users to book online and in-person appointments with specialists, while
OLADOC offers instant doctor consultations and appointment scheduling. These platforms improve healthcare efficiency
by saving time, reducing costs, and ensuring timely medical advice.

OLADOC
Introduction
OLADOC is a leading online healthcare platform in Pakistan, launched in 2016, designed to connect patients with
doctors and medical services. It provides a comprehensive doctor directory, enabling users to find specialists based on
reviews, expertise, and availability. The platform offers online consultations, appointment bookings, and pharmacy
services, making healthcare more accessible and efficient.
Main Features:
1. Doctor Directory: Allows users to search for verified doctors and specialists by name, specialty, city, and patient
reviews.
2. Online Consultation: Offers video and phone consultations with doctors for instant medical advice without visiting
clinics.
3. Appointment Booking: Enables easy scheduling of in-clinic and online appointments with specialists at preferred
times.
4. Pharmacy Services: Provides an option to order medicines online and get them delivered to the doorstep.

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 5. User Reviews: Displays patient feedback and ratings to help users choose the best doctor based on experience and
satisfaction.

Usage & Importance of OLADOC

OLADOC simplifies healthcare access by providing a one-stop solution for finding doctors, booking appointments, and
consulting online. It helps patients save time and effort by avoiding long hospital queues and getting medical advice
remotely. The platform enhances healthcare transparency with verified doctor listings and patient reviews. Its pharmacy
services further improve convenience by allowing users to order medicines online.
Merits of OLADOC:
1. Easy Access to Healthcare – Connects patients with doctors across various specialties quickly.
2. Convenient Online Consultations – Saves time and effort by offering remote medical advice.
3. Efficient Appointment Booking – Eliminates long hospital waits with pre-scheduled visits.
4. Reliable Doctor Reviews – Helps users make informed decisions based on ratings and feedback.
5. Integrated Pharmacy Services – Allows users to order medicines online with doorstep delivery.

Sehat Kahani

Introduction
Sehat Kahani is a telemedicine platform in Pakistan, launched in 2017, aimed at providing affordable and accessible
healthcare, especially to underserved communities. It connects female healthcare professionals, including doctors who
cannot practice in traditional settings, with patients through video consultations. The platform also offers electronic health
records, awareness campaigns, and user reviews, ensuring efficient and quality medical care.
Main Features:
1. Female Healthcare Professionals: Empowers female doctors to provide remote consultations, increasing their
participation in healthcare.
2. Video Consultation: Allows patients to consult with doctors via video calls, ensuring real-time medical advice from
home.
3. Electronic Health Records (EHR): Stores patient medical history and prescriptions digitally for better follow-up
care.
4. Health Awareness Campaigns: Conducts educational sessions to spread awareness on public health issues.
5. User Reviews: Provides patient feedback and ratings to help users choose trusted healthcare professionals.

Usage & Importance of Sehat Kahani

Sehat Kahani bridges the healthcare gap by connecting patients with qualified female doctors who might not be
practicing traditionally. It improves healthcare accessibility, especially in rural and remote areas, through video
consultations and digital health records. The platform empowers female doctors by allowing them to work remotely.
Additionally, health awareness campaigns help educate communities on disease prevention and wellness.

Merits of Sehat Kahani:

1. Empowers Female Doctors – Provides a platform for women to practice medicine remotely.
2. Increases Healthcare Access – Brings medical care to underserved and rural areas.
3. Convenient Video Consultations – Enables instant doctor consultations from home.
4. Digital Health Records – Ensures secure and easy tracking of patient history.
5. Public Health Awareness – Conducts educational campaigns for disease prevention.

Marham
Introduction
Marham is a Pakistani digital healthcare platform, launched in 2015, that connects patients with doctors for online and
in-clinic consultations. It provides a doctor directory, video consultations, appointment booking, medical forums, and
pharmacy services. The platform aims to simplify healthcare access by offering a seamless experience for patients
seeking medical advice.
Main Features:
1. Doctor Directory: Lists verified doctors across various specialties, allowing users to find the best healthcare
providers.
2. Online & In-Clinic Consultation: Offers both video consultations and in-person appointment booking with
doctors.
3. Medical Forums & Community Support: Provides a Q&A platform where users can ask health-related questions
and get expert advice.
4. Pharmacy & Lab Services: Allows users to order medicines online and book lab tests for diagnostics.
5. Patient Reviews & Ratings: Displays real patient feedback to help users choose the right doctor.
Usage & Importance of Marham

Marham makes healthcare accessible, efficient, and user-friendly by enabling easy doctor searches, online
consultations, and appointment bookings. It helps users save time and effort by eliminating long hospital waits. The

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medical forums provide quick expert advice on common health concerns. With pharmacy and lab services, Marham
offers a complete healthcare solution in one platform.
Merits of Marham:
1. Quick & Easy Doctor Search – Allows users to find specialists based on expertise and reviews.
2. Convenient Online Consultations – Enables video calls with doctors from home.
3. Comprehensive Healthcare Services – Includes pharmacy, lab tests, and Q&A forums.
4. Verified & Trusted Professionals – Ensures access to authentic, experienced doctors.
5. User-Friendly & Secure – Provides a smooth and privacy-focused healthcare experience.