Recipient Institution:
HealthNet Nepal

P. B. 2533, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal

Tel/Fax: 977-1-4429722

Email: mpradhan@healthnet.org.np

Project Leader:
Dr. Mohan Raj Pradhan

Amount and Duration: US$ 30,000 / 24 months

Commencement Date:
June 2004

Abstract of Project
In Nepal, there is acute shortage of doctors. The total numbers of allopathic doctors are 4000 and majority of them are staying in capital and other major cities. The people and doctors ratio is approximately 6000: 1. Health workers in rural health care, who serve most of the population, are isolated from specialist support and up to date information.

The advent of ICTs has unleashed new opportunities to the delivery of health services. Telemedicine may in fact have a more profound impact on developing countries than on developed countries.

As we learn more about distance medicine, we will also learn more about the diversity of disease, healthcare systems, and outcome expectations in Nepal. There is a temptation to introduce western technology into health systems that are naïve with respect to Western approaches to health care. Without considering the sustainability aspect, telemedicine could have a negative impact on the continuity of the system. And unless we understand the technological and cultural readiness our country and its health care practitioners, much effort can be expended with little gain.

An economical solution to support health care in remote areas is email, based on store and foreword principal. Modern digital cameras are small, robust, easy to use and cheap. Low cost telemedicine with still images can be applied in the area of Radiology, Pathology and Dermatology.

In Nepal, connectivity and training remain the biggest challenges for implementation of telemedicine centers. It is important that local health care workers take a lead in developing and operating telemedicine projects. Initiatives to train healthcare workers in the use of ICTs are also essential. We should emphasis low cost techniques, as a pilot project to gain experience.