Date:21/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/06/21/stories/2005062101921700.htm

Back Philips plans experimental telemedicine project

Our Bureau

Hyderabad , June 20

PHILIPS India is launching an experimental telemedicine project near Madurai with the intent of reaching latest medical diagnostics to rural people.

The company has joined hands with the Apollo Hospitals, an NGO named Dhan, and ISRO to implement the project, according to Mr K. Ramachandran, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Philips India.

The novelty of the project would be a van fully equipped with multiple diagnostics from simple blood tests to ultrasound.

The van would have a satellite dish and medical personnel. It would be linked via satellite to the Apollo's Madurai hospital.

Once the project is functional, the van will reach rural areas with the latest medical gadgetry and doctors, carry out diagnostics, and get medical advice wherever necessary, Mr Ramachandran told Business Line.

Telemedicine projects have taken off in the country, with several hospitals using the ISRO's Ku band transponders to offer fixed connectivity between the main city hospitals to the rural public health centre or medical centre.