ISQUA17-2624TELEMEDICINE IN THE HIMALAYAS- REACHING THE UNREACHED

Abstract

Objectives: In order to make quality healthcare accessible to the unreached populations of Keylong and Kaza in the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh(HP), Apollo Telehealth Services(ATHS) has successfully set up the world's highest altitude Telemedicine Centres at 13,500 feet and are seamlessly delivering the much needed emergency, specialty and primary tele-consultation services to this disadvantaged population. Methods: Through Public Private Partnership(PPP) with the Govt. and deploying cost effective technology, ATHS has established Tele-Emergency and Tele-Specialty services. The ATHS team braved landslides, sub-zero temperatures and impossible road conditions. Helicopters were used to airlift the team and equipment. The limited medical resource team was trained at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai. Well-integrated Teleconsultation and Tele-emergency units at the Community Health Centers in Kaza and Keylong were set up, complete with remote diagnostic devices and seamless connectivity using satellite connections, to enable Tele-Health services with Apollo Hospitals at Chennai. Results: In 2 years, the programme has delivered more than 5600 speciality consults and more than 450 emergency cases have been stabilized. Hundreds of ambulance trips and helicopter evacuations have been avoided. (Figure Presented) Conclusion: This is the only high altitude telemedicine programme in India that is delivering specialised healthcare services to a remote population of 34,000. By using technology the initiative has reduced rural health practice isolation and enabled healthcare deliveryin the remotest parts. This has successfully bridged the difference between the haves and the haves-not in terms of healthcare and strengthened the healthcare system of the country.