Nuria Ziyadinova’s newborn daughter, Sofia, recently benefited from Kyrgyzstan’s expanding digital healthcare services when a family doctor diagnosed prolonged jaundice during a routine home visit. Thanks to the UN-supported telemed.kg platform, Nuria was able to consult remotely with a neonatologist in Bishkek, who confirmed the diagnosis and adjusted treatment, avoiding a long journey to the city. Sofia’s condition stabilized quickly, highlighting how digital health solutions are transforming access to care in rural areas.
The UN Joint Programme “Bridging the Digital Health Divide” aims to close gaps in Kyrgyzstan’s healthcare system by integrating scattered virtual platforms into a coordinated, government-led digital health network. Implemented by WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, and UNFPA with funding from the Joint SDG Fund, the EU, and 16 member states, the programme strengthens telemedicine services, enhances electronic health records, and supports maternity and paediatric care. It also builds capacity for healthcare workers and IT specialists through training programs to maximize the impact of digital tools.
The programme’s success is reflected in tangible outcomes: digital sick leave, e-referrals, disability certifications, and remote consultations are now routine, reducing administrative burdens and expanding access for vulnerable populations. Institutional reforms, including the creation of a unified technical operator and adoption of the Digital Code, have improved integration and standardization of virtual health services. By bridging geographical and technological divides, these efforts ensure that rural and urban communities alike can access timely, high-quality healthcare, giving families like Nuria’s both convenience and peace of mind.
