"The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic underscored the need for many countries to develop more
effective and accessible primary health care systems, as well as more efficient ways to quickly disperse and collect health information. In particular, countries with low health care worker-to-population ratios, as well as large populations that do not live close to health centers, need better ways for their citizens to access health services.
Telemedicine or health hotline services have shown for more than 60 years that they can help people to
receive accurate and timely health information and make informed decisions about when to seek treatment. These services offer the ability to provide health information and care remotely, thereby extending the reach of the health care system, improving efficiencies, and enhancing the quality of care.
Health services that are stewarded by governments and embedded into public health systems are more
likely to sustain impact at scale. Government stewardship, however, benefits fro
