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July / August 2007 Volume 10 Issue 4
Telecommunications & The Telemedicine Market
As described by the United Nation's Office for Outer Space Affairs, telehealth and telemedicine are attracting global attention. State-of-the-art computer and telecommunications technologies can deliver medical care via virtual contact that connects health care professionals with patients in remote and rural parts of the world. Often, the services can reduce the need (and expense) of transporting patients to urban locations.
In comparison with the United States, other countries have successfully implemented telemedicine in various applications at a much brisker pace. The American Telemedicine Association (ATA; Washington DC) is addressing international outreach and analysis of the global telemedicine market in its 2007 mid-year meeting (September 2007). A quick review of recent news shows that other countries are making the technology investments to support telemedicine.
Infrastructure
One potential draw-back to U.S. implementation of telemedicine is a lack of high-speed connectivity. Fast movement of large amounts of data is critical in hospital, school, and work environments. A recent study conducted and published by the Communications Works of America revealed that median Internet speed in the United States is 1.97 megabits per second (mbps). In contrast, Internet users in Japan can purchase services that operate at 61 mbps for the same price. To illustrate the difference, downloading a movie using the Internet might take a few minutes in Japan but more than two hours in the United States. [1]
Another worrisome issue is the high cost associated with satellite telecommunications. According to an article published by Chennai Online, between $1.8 million to $2.4 million is spent by European countries to build a 35 MH satellite. In India, satellite launching fees can be 33% to 43% lower than in France and the United States (respectively). India can also build satellites cheaper — for 44% to 58% of the amounts currently expended in European countries. [2]
India's satellite technology has played an important role in telemedicine development since the Indian Space Research Organization launched its program in 2001. According to a recent article published by Outlook India, more hospitals will be implementing telemedicine as the government assembles and coordinates the manpower and technology components (communication equipment, hardware, software, satellite bandwidth, and specialty hospitals). The goal is to extend medical care into remote villages through district, mobile, and rural facilities. [3]
Telecommunications Development In Asia Pacific
Enhanced telecommunications enable remote delivery of video-based services such as telehealth and telemedicine, whether developed with specific intent or as byproduct of consumer demand. A quick review of recent news suggests that infrastructure development is going strong in Asia Pacific. With revenues of $1.53 billion forecast by 2010 (AMI Partners), the fastest growing regional market for data center structured cabling is India, with a 46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR)). China is projected to post a 37.5% CAGR, which will be driven by demand for cable television, internet activities such as blogging, and online gaming. [4]
In Thailand, QUALCOMM Inc. is advancing wireless technologies in partnership with two local companies (CAT Telecom Public Company Ltd. and Axesstel Inc.). Several government entities are also involved:
• National Telecommunications Commission
• Ministry of Public Health
• Office of the Non-Formal Education Commission
• Ministry of Education
The Wireless Reach™ initiative will provide services to meet the educational and medical needs of communities in Southern Thailand, which currently have limited or no connectivity. QUALCOMM is also donating telemedicine equipment (including cameras, computers, dermascopes, digital spirometers, imaging systems, and stethoscopes) to public health stations on two islands.
United Nations Satellite Technology For Telehealth & Telemedicine
In June 2007, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs presented a five-day training course on satellite technologies to benefit countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. The course is designed to help representatives from countries in both regions to gain an understanding of satellite technology for telehealth and telemedicine applications. One of the barriers to faster market growth is the lack of harmonization among telehealth and telemedicine programs in different countries. Course attendees are encouraged to analyze existing and emerging technologies to support telehealth and telemedicine development in their countries.
Examples of useful applications are: Emergency Telemedicine, Mobile Telemedicine, Tele-consultations, and tele-education (for medical personnel). The course was expected to draw attendees from a combined total of 19 international organizations, territories, and nations including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, and Venezuela, as well as Canada, France, the Netherlands, and the United States. Reports from 2006 on telehealth and telemedicine topics are available as PDF files on the UN's Office for Outer Space Affairs web site: www.unoosa.org.
[1] "U.S. Lags Globally in High-Speed Internet", Los Angeles Times (Business News), June 30th, 2007 (http://redding.com/news/2007).
[2] "Satellite Launching Fee To Come Down", Chennai Online, June 22nd, 2007 (http://in.news.yahoo.com).
[3] "Telemedicine", Outlook India, June 23rd, 2007(www.outlookindia.com).
[4] "Structured Cabling Market Poised for Huge Growth", CIOL Bureau, June 27th, 2007 (www.ciol.com).
