Government to start telemedicine service in Srinagar
Service to offer remote clinical services like diagnosis, monitoring to patients: DC Srinagar
5 Dariya News
5 Dariya News
Srinagar , 12 Oct 2019
The Government is introducing telemedicine service in the capital district of Srinagar consultations with concerned agencies for which are currently underway.The proposed service is a part of the Srinagar Smart City project one important component of which is introduction of smart healthcare in Srinagar.Under the proposed service all hospitals and health institutions in the district will be connected to each other through a trusted and round-the-clock satellite-based networking channel and enable remote clinical services like diagnosis and monitoring of patients.This will be done through video-conferencing where specialised medical advice based on documented medical records of patients will be conveyed by specialists in tertiary healthcare institutions to doctors at primary and secondary health centres.The service will make it possible for patients not to have to undertake out-of-station and long-distance travels for availing of specialised health services of certain kinds as it puts in place a mechanism where these are made available through electronic information and telecommunication technologies. It also therefore reduces the need for patient referrals in cases where it is not needed.The project includes upgrading of existing facilities at SKIMS and GMC Srinagar where it is available and setting up of these facilities at all other hospitals and health centres in the district and then connecting all of them together.One resource-cum-capacity building centre will also be established as part of this project in the district — where doctors and field staff will be offered relevant trainings.The service will be started in Srinagar as a pilot project. DC Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary who convened a meeting of concerned stakeholders Saturday said necessary discussions and consultations with concerned agencies are well underway.Telemedicine offers remote clinical services such as diagnosis and monitoring. It bridges the gap that lack of access to or difficulties reaching specialised healthcare because of different reasons throws to patients.