Dhaka University Telemedicine Programme, Targeting Healthcare-Deprived Rural Population of Bangladesh and Other Low Resource Countries

Abstract

Most current telemedicine efforts focus on tertiary care, general doctors being available at the patient end. In low resource countries (LRC), qualified doctors do not want to live in villages where the majority population lives. Therefore, telemedicine is the only solution. Besides, the technology should be indigenously developed to be effective and sustained. We developed necessary technology indigenously including web based software and online diagnostic devices like stethoscope and ECG. More devices are under development. Targeting primary or secondary care we deployed the system through an entrepreneurial model, giving video conferencing and online prescription by the consulting doctor. All data are archived for future reference and analysis. We also developed a mobile phone version using which roving operators can provide a doctor’s consultation to rural patients right at their homes, which has proved very useful for women, children, elderly and the infirm. The software also provides monitoring with provision for analyses for feedback. Starting in 2013 we have so far given consultation to more than 18,500 rural patients, paying a small fee, and the acceptance is increasing. At present more than 40 rural centres are active which can choose from a panel of 15 doctors who are providing consultation from places of their own. We are also planning to organize body tissue collection for pathological investigation at the telemedicine centres through arrangements with pathological centres in the neighbourhood. We feel this system can be spread throughout the LRCs benefitting the majority of the global population who are deprived at present.