Firstdoctor reinforces role of telemedicine as Sri Lanka adapts to mobility constraints
Daily FT: Firstdoctor Ltd., is reinforcing the role of telemedicine as a practical and reliable solution for patients seeking medical care without the need for travel.
Sri Lanka’s only cloud-based digital health platform, Firstdoctor enables patients to connect with licensed doctors through secure video consultations, alongside appointment bookings, electronic medical records, and digital prescriptions, all within a single integrated mobile application designed to bridge the gap between patients and doctors.
In the current context, where travel is being consciously reduced, telemedicine serves as a necessary extension of healthcare delivery rather than an optional convenience. Patients can access medical advice for routine consultations, follow-ups, and non-emergency conditions without the added burden of travel, waiting times, or logistical constraints.
Firstdoctor addresses this need by offering a seamless digital pathway for consultations, allowing patients to speak with qualified doctors from anywhere. The platform also ensures continuity of care through its integrated electronic medical records system, enabling doctors to access patient histories and provide more informed guidance.
Firstdoctor Ltd., CEO and Director Janaka Jayalath said: “Healthcare should remain accessible regardless of external circumstances. The current travel concerns have highlighted the need for alternative care pathways, and telemedicine plays a critical role in ensuring patients can continue to receive timely medical advice without disruption. Our focus at Firstdoctor is to make this transition simple, reliable, and accessible for everyone.”
Firstdoctor has also introduced additional support mechanisms to assist patients who may be less familiar with digital platforms. The recently launched ‘Apita Kiyanna’ call centre service provides direct assistance for patients to connect with doctors, book appointments, and navigate the platform, ensuring inclusive and user-friendly access to care.
The platform is backed by professionals with extensive experience in the mobile and telecommunications industry, providing a strong foundation in scalable digital infrastructure, user-centric design, and nationwide connectivity.
Firstdoctor COO Udaya Jayasundara said: “The intersection of telecommunications and healthcare is becoming increasingly relevant in today’s environment. With mobility constraints and changing patient behaviours, digital platforms have the ability to extend healthcare access beyond traditional boundaries. Firstdoctor is built on this principle, enabling patients to connect with the right doctor at the right time.”
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector is entering a new phase of transformation, driven by digital innovation and the country’s broader push toward a modern, technology-enabled economy. Companies like Firstdoctor Ltd. are at the forefront of this shift, demonstrating how telemedicine can deliver practical, reliable, and accessible care without the need for physical travel. As Sri Lanka’s only fully cloud-based digital health platform, Firstdoctor not only improves patient convenience but also strengthens healthcare delivery by bridging gaps between patients and licensed medical professionals, particularly in underserved or remote areas. The rise of such platforms reflects a wider trend within Sri Lanka’s expanding economy, where digitalisation is creating new opportunities across key sectors. In healthcare, increasing demand, evolving patient expectations, and the need to align with global standards are driving rapid development and investment in digital solutions, infrastructure, and services. For foreign businesses/investors, Sri Lanka’s digital health space offers strong potential. With a growing market, supportive policy direction, and early success stories like Firstdoctor, the sector is well-positioned for further expansion. Foreign businesses/investors can explore opportunities ranging from telemedicine and health tech innovation to partnerships in service delivery and infrastructure.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260506/Z_3 |