Ajman: Doctors in Ajman are reaching out to patients in isolated areas of the northern emirates and remote African villages - without stepping out of the office.
Specialists at GMC Hospital Ajman have already started video conferencing with patients at its Fujairah and Malawi branches. The telemedicine consultations are done using a broadband internet connection, enabling doctors to attend to patients with the help of TV screens, microphones and speakers. The technology does away with the need to physically travel to see super-speciality consultants like neurologists or orthopaedists who are often not available in far-flung areas, said Dr Manvir Singh Walia, Medical Director, GMC Hospital.
It also gives patients an "expert second opinion" on their case, he added. "They often travel to a neighbouring country, sometimes for a minor reason. But with telemedicine, they can have an informed decision and save travel time and money," Dr Walia said.
Net conference
A branch doctor is present during the conference for "provisional diagnosis" of the patient. "This is better than getting no consultation at all. In Malawi, there are no neurologists. But our specialists here and a doctor there together can now help Malawian patients." Senior GMC Hospital officials hinted the charges for telemedicine might be double the usual consultation rates. The patient would be paying the usual fee (Dh150 at GMC Hospital) plus the telecommunications charge.
One patient in Fujairah and two in Malawi have consulted doctors in Ajman via telemedicine.
"We may reach any place where there's an internet connection, a technician and a laptop," Dr Walia said.
