Telemedicine

Telemedicine is the delivery of healthcare services, where distance is a critical factor, by all healthcare professionals using information and communication technologies for the exchange of valid information for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease and injuries, research and evaluation, and for the continuing education of healthcare providers, all in the interests of advancing the health of individuals and their communities. It is that concept and tool where all patients and physicians can communicate from any place and any time. It’s like a hospital without wall, boundary, and border of countries. Doctors can reach those patients what was not possible at present. Rural areas people can get the medical facilities like the urban areas people. It will work like a bridge. Telemedicine & e-Health characterizes not only a technical development, but also a state-of-mind, a way of thinking, an attitude, and a commitment for networked, global thinking, to improve health care locally, regionally, and worldwide by using information and communication technology.

This emerging field can increase efficiency in health care; thereby decreasing costs, enhancing quality care; empowerment of consumers and patients; provide continuing medical education for health professionals and health education for consumers, bridging the urban- rural health facilities. Bangladesh, as a developing country, has a huge population (above 140 million) with inequitable distribution of resources. 70% of its population lives in rural areas whereas 75% of qualified consultants practice in urban centers. Due to non availability of health facilities in remote areas a large health service seeking people may need to travel for their appropriate health care in a few specialized health centers mostly situated in capital city or big cities. The use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the health sector is very limited in Bangladesh, though its use will make a significant contribution to the improvement of health sector and change the present scenario. To meet these challenges, a group of responsible physicians, IT specialist and eminent persons have come together and formed a common platform named BSTeH. The BSTeH exists to facilitate the dissemination of knowledge and experience in Telemedicine and e-health and to provide access to recognized experts in the field.