Telemedicine gives medical aide over phone at every corner of the world

Can the best medical practitioners be available at every corner of the country? Certainly not. But thanks to telemedicine, their consultations can now be availed oversees and in the rural nooks too. To this end, IT should be integrated in every aspect of healthcare.

Now, with the integration of 3G technology, telemedicine has become affordable and adoptable. On the second day of Healthex, 2011, on Saturday, the impact of 3G technology in healthcare sector was highlighted at a conference on Inclusive Healthcare Management for Sustainable Development, organised by All India Management Association (AIMA).

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Prathap C Reddy, chairman, Apollo Hospitals, said, “Medical consultation is based on doctor-patient interaction. Now, with the 3G broadband, there has been a significant improvement in the picture, voice clarity
and the telemedicine interaction is getting better. X-rays, ECG, and sonography reports can be sent and consultations extended within minutes.”

Apollo Hospitals have extended their telemedicine facility to 42 African countries, Iraq, Colombo, Kathmandu and Abu Dhabi.

However, penetration of telemedicine in rural India is still low.
“As of now, in Karnataka, telemedicine facility is extended to Bellary, Raichur, Kolar and recently Gubbi. Every week, we get about 25 to 30 cases from these areas for consultation. With a software from Cisco named Telepresence, telemedicine has become interruption-free and easy in the hospital,” said Reddy. 

Since connectivity is no longer a problem with 3G and new technologies, and there is no more waiting, the reluctance on part of doctors has also reduced, he added.