Telehealth and telemedicine during the pandemic provided a tremendous amount of help in supporting the health system. During the COVID crisis, many people across the world used telehealth to gain access to clinical services. This revolutionary approach has made it more accessible, easy, and convenient to receive health care. Even people living in remote places without medical centers can receive health treatment and services.
Role in the COVID pandemic
With the outbreak of the COVID virus, Nepal also got hugely impacted and stopped the daily lives of people all across the country. There was mass hysteria where ever you go. People were in fear for their lives and forced to be shut in their homes. In dire situations like this, telehealth and telemedicine made their way to ease people and care for the sick. Patients receive required health care via SMS, phone, e-mail, and other communication channels.
How has it revolutionized health care in Nepal?
With the rise of telehealth and telemedicine services, health care in city areas did not change much as previously except during the pandemic. But, it has shown great possibilities in the rural aspects of Nepal. There are very few to no healthcare facilities in rural Nepal. In such places, people have to traverse for days through treacherous routes just to gain the slightest of health care. With the introduction of telehealth, people can now easily access healthcare facilities from their homes. Thus, it has saved a lot of time, effort, and money from people by being able to directly consult with a medical professional at home.
Overcoming geographical barriers as it goes
Nepal is a hilly and mountainous country that has people scattered all over the place. Only a few parts of Nepal have large cities and necessary infrastructures for healthcare. In such places, people die from minor diseases that could have been easily thwarted. Patients can consult with medical specialists through video conferencing using telemedicine systems, doing away with the necessity for tiresome and protracted travel. Patients in rural areas now have easier access to specialized consultations in addition to enhanced access to primary healthcare services.
Improved health infrastructure
Telehealth has helped Nepal’s healthcare system become more robust. Hospitals and clinics can contact patients outside of their physical locations by incorporating telemedicine into their existing healthcare systems. Establishing telemedicine facilities with video conferencing capabilities, diagnostic equipment, and qualified staff is a necessary step in this integration. These facilities act as hubs for linking distant patients with medical personnel, facilitating effective healthcare delivery, and raising the standard of care overall.
Nepal has the ability to overcome healthcare disparities, improve health outcomes, and establish a more inclusive and fair healthcare system for all of its residents as it continues to adopt telehealth and telemedicine technology.
