Telecoms Used to Improve Healthcare in Afghanistan

The Afghan mobile network operator, Roshan has launched a pioneering Telemedicine solution in Afghanistan to expand healthcare access and delivery across the country. Using wireless video consultation and digital image transfer along with broadband services, the Telemedicine project will provide hospitals in Afghanistan with real-time access to specialist diagnosis, treatment and training expertise from abroad.

Roshan has teamed with Cisco, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), French Medical Institute for Children (FMIC) and other technology suppliers to launch the project. The first phase of the project has already linked FMIC in Kabul, Afghanistan to AKUH in Karachi Pakistan, enabling access to a broad array of radiology expertise provided by AKUH. Subsequent phases will link major Afghan regional hospitals to the FMIC, which is being developed as an Afghan center of medical excellence.

Eventually, the links can be extended to medical institutions in Europe and North America.

"Access to healthcare, especially specialist diagnosis and treatment, remains a critical problem in Afghanistan," said Karim Khoja, CEO of Roshan. "Telemedicine technology provides a solution that has the potential to dramatically expand access to quality medical care for Afghans whose only option previously was to seek specialist diagnosis or treatment overseas. Telemedicine not only immediately enhances access to medical diagnosis and treatment, but it also helps to build and sustain the nation's healthcare capacity through sharing of expertise. Patients will now benefit from the international knowledge without the need to transport specialists to the country."

Telemedicine involves the use of broadband technology that provides real- time high speed access for the transfer of medical imaging, video, data and voice. Applications include the ability to send real-time X-ray, ultrasound and CAT Scans (Computerized Axial Tomography) for evaluation. The technology also enables e-learning and training through video consultation.

The initial service provided will be teleradiology, the electronic transmission of radiological patient images. There will be an average of 60 to 80 transmissions and 10 to 15 teleconferences between hospitals per month, with the numbers increasing over time. Telemedicine capabilities will gradually be expanded to address different services and procedures including evaluation of tissue samples and the on-line performance of medical and surgical procedures."

Posted to the site on 21st June 2007