Friday
18th Oct 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Dharumavantha Hospital, Photo: TMJ
In a significant advancement for the healthcare sector, Health Minister has announced plans to introduce telemedicine services throughout the Maldives. Speaking during the coverage of 'Maldivian Voices to the World' on PSM News, the minister highlighted the importance of this initiative in enhancing access to medical care for residents, especially in remote islands.
Telemedicine is a modern healthcare delivery system that enables doctors to provide clinical treatment and consultation from a distance using digital technology. Minister acknowledged that while efforts to implement telemedicine services in the Maldives had been made in the past, they were met with limited success. The challenges included inadequate training for healthcare providers, insufficient knowledge of the technology, and limited internet connectivity.
"We need a dedicated special line for this. At present, almost all islands in the Maldives have access to 5G," Minister stated, emphasizing the improvements in digital infrastructure that will support telemedicine services.
The minister expressed optimism about the potential of telemedicine to bridge healthcare gaps across the archipelago. “One of the most important tasks that can be done to complete the health services is to connect the entire country with telemedicine services,” he noted. Ongoing research is already underway to facilitate this initiative.
Minister further explained that telemedicine would not only ensure continuous healthcare services even when a doctor is unavailable but also ease the burden on healthcare providers. "Even if the doctor resigns, this system will provide services to the people; the work of the doctor who is supposed to serve will also be easier, and it will be easier to reach the health system wherever he is," he added.
The implementation of telemedicine services in the Maldives aligns with global trends towards digital healthcare solutions. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), telemedicine has been instrumental in improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas where medical facilities may be limited. Studies indicate that telemedicine can enhance patient outcomes, reduce wait times, and lower healthcare costs.
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of telemedicine worldwide, demonstrating its effectiveness in providing care while minimizing the risk of infection. The Maldives aims to leverage this technology to ensure that all citizens have access to quality healthcare services, regardless of their geographic location.