Amrita Telemedicine connects to PAN-African network

The Telemedicine network at Amrita Institute of Medical Science has begun extending its services beyond India’s borders. On May 4, 2009, it became part of the India’s PAN-African telemedicine network.

Though this telemedicne network, Amrita will provide e-health services to Benin, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Seychelles. Medical consultation in various medical specialties will be made available to care centers and hospitals in these rural areas. Through a satellite and fiber optic network, it will be able to reach out to remote and rural areas in need.

The inaugural telecast was that of a CME (Continuing Medical Education) session, for doctors in the rural centers of Africa. The topic — Infectious Diseases, Prevention and Control. Dr. Girish, General Medicine interacted with doctors in 13 countries on the African continent as he shared his insights and knowledge from Amrita. “We have long aspired to this goal –Digital health to every doorstep– ” he stated. “I am happy that after Amma’s visit, we are now able to serve the African people in yet another manner.”

PAN-African e-network is a Government of India initiative. The network’s main aim is to provide adequate educational facilities and affordable healthcare eventually in all 53 nations of the African Union. This idea was proposed by the President of India, Dr. Abdul Kalam, at the inaugural session of the PAN-African parliament held at Johannesburg in 2004.