In June 2010, the telemedicine unit at Bowring Hospital recorded 191 cases of consultation from government hospitals from across the state. A year later, only about 50 consultations were recorded.
In June 2010, the telemedicine unit at Bowring Hospital recorded 191 cases of consultation from government hospitals from across the state. A year later, only about 50 consultations were recorded.
The telemedicine unit at Bowring Hospital was launched with much pomp in 2009. Today, it is restricted to serving just five government hospitals in as many districts in the state.
Two years ago, the project was launched with access to only a few district hospitals. Soon, the service was spread to 25 government hospitals in various districts. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, GSLV-F06, carrying India’s communication satellite GSAT-5P, crashed in December 2010, and the signals received became very poor. It was that satellite that facilitated telemedicine services in Karnataka. With the crash, the network was limited to five district hospitals.
The hospitals that have access to telemedicine facilities from the Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital are at Dharwad, Bijapur, Udupi, Gadag and Shikaripura. “Since that crash, the signals have not been good. We are unable to connect with district hospitals,” said Dr Vani Ravi Kumar, coordinator, telemedicine, Bowring Hospital.
Apart from Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, telemedicine hubs are also located at Nimhans, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology and St John’s Hospital. However, the crash of the satellite has affected the Bowring Hospital’s links most, as it has few other means of linking with hospitals in the districts.
“The Karnataka Telemedicine Trust has requested the department to get a broadband connection to facilitate the service. Our dependence is on the satellite, hence the problem. The hospital authorities now request a broadband connection,” said Dr Kumar.
The medical superintendent of Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital on Wednesday last approved a broadband connection. “We will be applying for a broadband connection soon. We hope to get connected to all the district hospitals in the next few weeks. Be it broadband or satellite connection, the clarity will be the same,” said Dr Kumar.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}