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“ The provision of healthcare services by all healthcare professionals utilizing information and communication technologies for the interchange of accurate data for diagnosis, treatment, and other purposes, where distance is a crucial component and prevention of disease and injuries, research, and evaluation, and for the continuing education of healthcare providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of individuals and their communities, is what the World Health Organization (WHO) defines as telemedicine.” The literal translation of the term “telemedicine,” which gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, is “healing at a distance.” Using communication networks, telemedicine is a fast-paced method of treating and diagnosing patients from anywhere in the world. The best technology for enhancing long-term health and expanding access to preventive treatment is telemedicine.
It is a bigger matter of concern that equal distribution of healthcare services in India, In a vast country with a population of over 140 crores, has repeatedly shown to be a significant challenge for the public health management sector. Furthermore, most medical facilities in India are concentrated in cities and towns (75% of doctors work in these areas), distant from rural areas where 69% of people reside. The rural population has very few access points to primary healthcare.
Telemedicine has many benefits in India, including better patient outcomes, lower healthcare expenditures, and easier access to healthcare services.
The fastest and least expensive method of closing the health gap between rural and urban areas may turn out to be telemedicine. Considering India’s enormous advancements in ICT (Information and communication technologies), telemedicine may be able to provide specialist medical care to even the most remote areas of the nation.
Marginalized success rate in rural areas may be attributed to several factors, including a low population, underuse of equipment, a lack of high-quality specialty services, a greater than average proportion of patients without formal education, geographic isolation, and a poor economic outlook. So, when rural hospitals start employing telemedicine, then there are greater opportunities of remote consultation on the doorstep which can be in-home monitoring and outsourced diagnostics analysis in rural populations. By cutting the costs for the patient, it will also decrease the number of needless trips to hospitals and clinics and lower the rate of re-admissions and costs.
Compared to in-person doctor visits, remote consultations are more effective, quicker, and less expensive. According to the Indian Institute of Public Opinion, 89% of people living in rural areas must travel at least 8 miles to receive basic medical care.5. Most of the money earned by impoverished Indian villages goes for transportation to urban hospitals, where they stay longer with their escorts. These travel-related inconveniences and shorter wait times outside of hospitals can be avoided using telemedicine. With the aid of telemedicine, consultations in remote locations are more efficient, quicker, and less costly than hospital visits.
Telemedicine is being used by rural hospitals through in-home monitoring. Lowering the number of high-risk patients (older people and those with co-morbidities) who visit hospitals. This can flatten the COVID-19 cross-contamination curve even though at present times in some way patients used to ignore common cold and flu symptoms before the current pandemic outbreak, but after the pandemic, new concerns about these symptoms. With early diagnosis is possible with the use of CDC (Centre for Disease Control And Prevention) clinical guidelines, and if necessary, care can be escalated even further. 9. Early diagnosis even at the e-clinic or via telemedicine centres.
The key to telemedicine success is preparation, perseverance, and practice. Any technology’s ability to succeed depends on a few elements, including knowledge, conceptual understanding, acquired attitudes, and talent. Although some people find telemedicine intimidating, it is crucial for improved distribution. In addition to providing a route for other nations to adopt and enhance telemedicine services that will complement and maximize the global effort of towards tele-medicine, WHO and other Global Health Organizations should come forward to encourage telemedicine technology for the rural population through innovative solutions and funding. Learn more
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Preeti Singh is an MBA professional with over 10 years of experience, mostly having worked in the microfinance and social development sectors. Over the past decade, Preeti’s contributions to numerous youth skilling programs and women empowerment initiatives, has demonstrated her steadfast commitment for driving positive change in the society.
Her passion for integrating technology with social welfare is evident through her hands-on involvement in diverse initiatives aimed at uplifting women and youth. Beyond her professional endeavors, Preeti’s dedication to her cause shines through in every aspect of her work, establishing her as a formidable advocate for positive social change.
Dr. Ratnesh Tiwari, an engineering postgraduate with a Ph.D. from IIT Delhi, has more than 10 years of experience in sustainability space and is deeply committed to social outreach, creating a positive social impact and a passionate advocate for social outreach, dedicated to making a lasting social impact and fostering rural development. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, he actively engages in initiatives that promote inclusivity, education, and sustainable growth.
Driven by his belief in the transformative power of technology, Dr. Tiwari utilizes his expertise in emerging technologies to design innovative solutions that address social inequalities. He envisions a world where technological advancements serve as catalysts for positive change, empowering individuals and communities to thrive.
“Apart from business, I always wanted to make life better for the individuals & communities we live in. I am a firm believer of the fact that adding value via human touch will certainly bring a positive change in lives of people. For me, SATYA Shakti Foundation is all about giving it back to the people by empowering them via facilitating means of Sanitation, Health, Education & for upgrading their state of living”.
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