For the first time in India, a telemedicine centre based entirely on Teladoc technology was inaugurated by Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ma. Subramaniam at the Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre (MMRCH) here on Sunday.
According to the hospital chairman S. Gurushankar, “A doctor can perform all out-patient procedures virtually despite the distance between the patient and the doctor through the US-based telehealth technology.”
Speaking at the event, the Minister appreciated the MMHRC for constantly providing new medical facilities to the people.
Patients from underprivileged pockets across the country will be able to consult with specialist doctors of the MMHRC for even a second opinion. “About six specialists can come together remotely at the same time to diagnose, consult, and treat a patient through the device,” he said.
Specialist doctors can also cross-consult regarding a patient, and even connect with doctors located abroad like the US and the UK.
To start with, the exclusive telemedicine centers would be established at MMHRC’s franchisees in West Bengal, Assam, Siliguri as they see a lot of north-eastern people coming down to Tamil Nadu for treatment, said Mr. Gurushankar.
Through the Teladoc device, automation of clinical examinations can be made, patients' vital healthcare parameters such as blood pressure and temperature can be assessed, which the doctors can access on their registered mobiles or computers to make clinical decisions.
The technology is also equipped to process the patient’s data to call for better diagnosis. The medical records of patients stored in the system can be easily retrieved by the specialists, he said.
The platform would enable patients suffering from chronic conditions to receive treatment quickly and effectively avoiding unnecessary travel and waiting time.
Though virtual, the cameras and display monitors of the platform would ensure effective patient-doctor interactions, he added.
Minister of Commercial Taxes and Registration P. Moorthy, Collector S. Aneesh Sekhar, doctors, nurses and others participated at the inaugural ceremony.
