Possibility of introducing telemedicine services in Asian and African countries

Abstract

ObjectivesIn some developing countries, despite advancements in Information Technology (IT), medical resources are scarce; hence, introduction of telemedicine services can solve this problem. In this study, we examined the possibility of introducing telemedicine-based services in developing countries utilizing the available data. MethodsIn Asia, the study was conducted in nine developing countries, excluding those where data were unavailable. In Africa, thirteen countries whose per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was less than USD 1000, and where data were unavailable, were also excluded. We chose the number of doctors, nurses, and midwives as indicators of the healthcare environment. We used the number of internet contracts and mobile phone contracts as indicators of IT penetration, and set per capita GDP and its growth rate as economic indicators. We combined the two continents’ data and performed a principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. ResultsWe used cluster analysis to classify the target countries into the following five clusters: Cluster A: Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Indonesia, Ghana, Tunisia, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Thailand; Cluster B: Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, India, and Pakistan; Cluster C: Sudan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Tanzania, Philippines, and China; Cluster D: South Africa, and Cluster E: Japan and Singapore. As a result of conducting PCA, Cluster A emerged as the region with the highest progressiveness and development possibility. ConclusionsIntroduction of telemedicine services has been visualized by using cluster analysis and PCA. However, it is necessary to incorporate future medical needs as indicators to make a more appropriate assessment of its potential.