Bridging Health Divide Between Rural & Urban Areas In India Through Satellite Based Telemedicine Networks
- Paper number
IAC-07-A1.8.04
- Author
Mr. R.L.N. Murthy, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India
- Coauthor
Dr. Deviprasad Shetty, India
- Coauthor
Mr. L.S. Sathya Murthy, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Health care facilities and professions in India have been increasing progressively from the early 1950s, but are outnumbered by the fast growing population. As a result, the number of licensed medical practitioners and hospital beds per population had reduced substantially. Primary health centers, the cornerstone of Indian rural health care system are part of a three-tiered health care system predominantly administered by the government. The generally refer cases requiring specialist consultation to urban hospitals while attempting to provide routine medical care to the vast majority in the countryside.
The 80-20 paradigm is very much prevalent in the Indian healthcare scenario. While 80
Noting this important dichotomy, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) initiated SATcom based Telemedicine programme as an important application in the year 2001, in pursuance of its policy of utilisation of space technology for the benefit of population at grass root level.
The focus of ISRO’s endeavour has been on providing technology and connectivity for healthcare delivery in terms of the services for Tele-consultation between remote / rural district hospital and super specialty hospital; Continuing Medical Education (CME); mobile telemedicine for rural Health, especially for ophthalmology and community health.
ISRO in association with state governments, NGOs and private/trust hospitals has established a network of 200 hospitals connecting 165 Remote /Rural/ District hospitals, medical colleges to 35 super speciality hospitals located in major cities.
Beginning with the constitution of National Task Force NTF) by the central Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, these efforts are poised towards large-scale establishment of Telemedicine centres in the 11th Five Year Plan process (2007-2012). It is envisaged that this will lead to progressive implementation of Telemedicine/eHealth into the mainstream of Healthcare delivery system in the country.
The steady growth of Telemedicine/eHealth application may lead to development of an exclusive communication satellite, “HEALTHSAT” for meeting the Healthcare needs of the country.
The paper will discuss the systematic approach followed by ISRO in the areas of- programme planning, managing and implementation in line with the socio-economic situation of the country and draws a roadmap for the future. Also discussed will be, the approaches for utilising SATcom connectivity for bridging the health divide, and plans for integration of different stake holders.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-A1.8.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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