From Tribal Villages to Urban Outskirts: Telemedicine Changes Healthcare Landscape in Maharashtra
Pune, 15th January 2025: Telemedicine services launched in remote areas of Maharashtra are proving to be a significant support system for patients in need of medical advice and diagnosis. Over the past five years, 1.13 lakh patients across the state have benefited from this innovative service, which leverages modern technology to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients in underserved regions.
The telemedicine facility uses advanced information technology to provide consultations. Patients and doctors interact through video systems, with experts offering advice via chat. Additionally, the system employs e-stethoscopes to monitor a patient’s heartbeat and lung function. X-rays, CT scans, sonographies, and MRIs can be transmitted using special software, while ECG, echocardiograms, and angiography can be viewed in real-time, allowing specialists to diagnose and treat patients effectively.
The service has been particularly well-received in remote and tribal areas, where access to healthcare is limited. It ensures that patients receive timely medical attention without the need for extensive travel.
The Health Department initiated the telemedicine service on September 7, 2006, with the support of ISRO. It began as a pilot project at K.E.M. Hospital and was implemented in district hospitals in Latur, Beed, Nandurbar, Sindhudurg, and a sub-district hospital in Karad.
In 2007-08, the service was extended to 20 district hospitals, two sub-district hospitals, and four government medical colleges. By 2011-12, the network expanded to 30 sub-district and rural hospitals, and by 2014-15, it reached rural hospitals in tribal districts.
The service’s effectiveness is reflected in the growing number of consultations:
2019-20: 31,286 patients benefited
2020-21: 12,786 patients (reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
2021-22: 15,665 patients
2022-23: 25,805 patients
2023-24: 27,400 patients
2024-25 (up to September): 13,612 patients
