Telemedicine: Integrating ICT and Health care system

Abstract

Health is always considered as one of the strong pillars of sustainable development. Healthy citizens are regarded as the greatest asset of any nation. In a country like India where more than 70 percent of population still lives in rural and remote areas, accessibility to quality healthcare infrastructure as well as healthcare personnel is a big challenge for policy makers. Among the various alternative strategies available, the integration of ICT and healthcare system in the form of telemedicine is regarded as one of the most revolutionary innovation in healthcare management that can enhance the quality of delivery of healthcare services. Considering the significance of telemedicine, the present paper examines the various initiatives taken by the Indian Government along with other organizations to utilize expertise of India in ICT in the healthcare sector. Further the paper also highlights the various challenges to successful implementation of telemedicine network  in India as well as its future prospects.