Meraka Telehealth:Project Overview: Difference between revisions
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==Background== | ==Background== | ||
Approximately 60% of South Africa’s clinics are rural and less than half of those have an effective communications system in place. As a result of this lack of infrastructure, rural clinics are excluded from the Department of Health tele-health programme. The skills level at these clinics is limited and usually a clinic sister is the only trained health-worker available. Rural communities are excluded from information that can benefit and save their lives. | Approximately 60% of South Africa’s clinics are rural and less than half of those have an effective communications system in place. As a result of this lack of infrastructure, rural clinics are excluded from the Department of Health tele-health programme. The skills level at these clinics is limited and usually a clinic sister is the only trained health-worker available. Rural communities are excluded from information that can benefit and save their lives. The main purpose for tele-health, however, is to extend the reach of health-care services to the rural areas where there are limited health resources through the use of ICTs. This project seeks to demonstrate that through the use of innovative ICTs a cost-effective solution can be developed that will enhance health-care in rural communities and assist the Department of Health in rolling out health-care services to rural areas. | ||
The main purpose for tele-health, however, is to extend the reach of health-care services to the rural areas where there are limited health resources through the use of ICTs. This project seeks to demonstrate that through the use of innovative ICTs a cost-effective solution can be developed that will enhance health-care in rural communities and assist the Department of Health in rolling out health-care services to rural areas. | |||
Latest revision as of 11:07, 14 June 2007
Background
Approximately 60% of South Africa’s clinics are rural and less than half of those have an effective communications system in place. As a result of this lack of infrastructure, rural clinics are excluded from the Department of Health tele-health programme. The skills level at these clinics is limited and usually a clinic sister is the only trained health-worker available. Rural communities are excluded from information that can benefit and save their lives. The main purpose for tele-health, however, is to extend the reach of health-care services to the rural areas where there are limited health resources through the use of ICTs. This project seeks to demonstrate that through the use of innovative ICTs a cost-effective solution can be developed that will enhance health-care in rural communities and assist the Department of Health in rolling out health-care services to rural areas.