Reaching the Unreached- A Model for Sustainable Community Development Through Information and Communication Technology

A K Jha,D Gurung

doi:10.31729/jnma.36

Abstract

Telemedicine, which is defined as 'the practice of healthcare using interactive audio, visual and data communications and includes healthcare delivery, diagnosis, consultation and treatment as well as education and transfer of medical data', has been gaining popularity in the health services sector. Dermatology as a specialty is particularly suitable for telemedicine and more so in geographic regions with scarcity of qualified manpower, where it has greatly facilitated the outreach of specialist care delivery. However, the cost of telemedicine technology is a significant hurdle which makes the sustainability of such services challenging. Maximum utilization of such technology by active participation of well motivated beneficiary communities and bringing innovative strategies for its use will be crucial in sustaining such services in rural communities.

Highlights

The srst steps in modern telemedicine can be traced back to July 1962, when the telecommunications satellite ‘Telstar’ began transmitting phone calls, radio signals and television programs internationally
Disciplines that rely heavily on imaging systems, such as radiology, pathology and dermatology are specially suited for this technology.[1]
Jha et al Reaching the unreache; A model for sustainable community development through information and communication technology geographic, time, social, and cultural barriers.'[2,3] A task force for community dermatology launched by the International Society of Dermatology advocates the development of ‘community dermatology’ with the vision to provide skin care for all.[4]

Summary

Introduction

The srst steps in modern telemedicine can be traced back to July 1962, when the telecommunications satellite ‘Telstar’ began transmitting phone calls, radio signals and television programs internationally. The World Health Organization (WHO) desnes telemedicine as the practice of healthcare using interactive audio, visual and data communications. This includes healthcare delivery, diagnosis, consultation and treatment as well as education and transfer of medical data.

Results

Conclusion