Grameen HealthTech Limited Chairman Muhammad Yunus has emphasised expanding digital healthcare access, praising the e-health platform “Shukhee” for delivering technology-driven medical services across Bangladesh, particularly to low-income communities.
He made the remarks during a visit to the Grameen HealthTech office on Wednesday, where he observed the operations of the platform, according to a statement from Yunus Centre issued on Thursday.
He said, “We are prioritising digital healthcare so that people in Bangladesh’s remote areas can consult doctors online.”
“Many remote and hilly regions still face a shortage of medical professionals, and digital healthcare can help reach people in hard-to-access areas,” he added.
During the visit, he interacted with employees from different departments and reviewed ongoing operations of the organisation.
He said digitally stored health records can prevent the loss of prescriptions and reports and make follow-up care more efficient.
Highlighting maternal healthcare, he said digital services are particularly important for pregnant women, allowing them to consult doctors from home.
“Many expatriates hesitate to consult doctors abroad due to language barriers, and platforms like ‘Shukhee’ can connect them with Bangladeshi doctors online,” he added.
Senior management of Grameen HealthTech presented a strategic roadmap outlining plans to scale digital healthcare access, strengthen last-mile connectivity, and expand community-based healthcare delivery models across the country.
He expressed interest in the initiatives and said they align with his long-standing vision of inclusive and equitable systems.
Officials said the platform is being developed using global standards such as ICD-11, HL7 and FHIR, while ensuring compliance with international frameworks including GDPR to build an interoperable healthcare system.
They added that more than 10,000 Shukhee Sheba Kendras are being established alongside the development of Shukhee Grams to expand access at the grassroots level.
Within 15 months of operation, the platform has served more than 100,000 patients, most of them from low-income communities.
He expressed satisfaction with the platform’s progress and stressed strengthening grassroots-level initiatives to ensure inclusive healthcare delivery.
