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Telemedicine Initiative Launches in Ghana to Enhance Healthcare Access
KOFORIDUA, Ghana – For years, 46-year-old Charles Owusu Aseku has sought medical solutions across Ghana and internationally for a large keloid on his neck. His challenging journey for healthcare, beginning in 2002, included unsuccessful surgeries and a fruitless trip to South Africa. However, a recent telemedicine initiative in Ghana offers new hope for Aseku and others facing limited access to specialized medical care.
Pioneering 3D Telemedicine Consultations
Aseku’s anticipation of another medical trip changed in late February when he participated in the inaugural trial of 3D telemedicine technology in Ghana. This innovative approach utilizes computer screens within a mobile van to deliver remote healthcare services.
Spearheaded by Microsoft’s research division, in collaboration with Ghanaian physicians and researchers, this project aims to provide remote medical evaluations. The system is designed to assist patients awaiting or recovering from surgical procedures, particularly in regions facing a scarcity of doctors relative to the population.
Building upon prior experiments in Scotland, the current iteration features a mobile system equipped with advanced lighting and enhanced camera capabilities.
How 3D Telemedicine Works
Inside the specially equipped van, cameras meticulously capture a 3D model of each patient. This detailed image is then displayed on a large monitor, enabling multiple doctors to participate in online consultations. These medical professionals can remotely manipulate the 3D rendering to thoroughly assess the patient’s condition.
“The concept behind the mobile van is to extend specialized care to remote villages lacking such resources, facilitating pre- and post-surgical consultations,” explained Spencer Fowers, Principal Software Developer and 3D-Telemedicine Project Lead at Microsoft Research.
Multi-Specialist Consultations and Patient Hope
This initiative also provides patients with the advantage of receiving multiple medical opinions. During Aseku’s consultation, doctors from Rwanda, Scotland, and Brazil participated, an experience he found encouraging.
“Seeing numerous doctors is very gratifying because diverse expertise will be available, potentially leading to a solution for my ailment,” Aseku stated.
Trial at Koforidua Regional Hospital and Expansion Potential
Researchers express optimism that the trial at Koforidua Regional Hospital in eastern Ghana will serve as a foundation for a broader project. The aim is to expand service availability and explore additional applications of the telemedicine technology.
Telemedicine adoption has grown significantly in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts suggest that digital health solutions hold immense potential for Africa, where access to specialist physicians is limited for its vast population of 1.4 billion.
Real-World Impact: George Opoku’s Experience
George Opoku, 68, initially sought treatment at Koforidua hospital but was referred to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, the capital, nearly 100 kilometers distant. His condition, sarcoma, a rare cancer affecting bones and soft tissue, required specialized care.
Upon learning about the 3D telemedicine trial, his physician enrolled him, eliminating the considerable expense and burden of long-distance travel.
“This time, I consulted not just one, but several doctors, from a van. I could answer all their inquiries and I am optimistic they will collaborate to resolve my condition,” Opoku recounted. “I already feel improved and hopeful.”
Challenges and Benefits: Internet Access and Specialist Shortages
A significant hurdle for the project is the inconsistent internet connectivity in remote parts of Africa.
At Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the technology is proving beneficial for plastic surgery patients. The shortage of plastic surgeons often necessitates patients seeing different doctors across multiple visits.
Dr. Kwame Darko, consultant plastic surgeon at the hospital and a lead investigator in the project, noted that 3D telemedicine enables patients to be assessed by multiple specialists simultaneously.
Telemedicine as a Solution for Healthcare Disparities
Dr. Ahensan Dasebre, chief resident doctor at the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre at Korle-Bu, who is not involved in the project, believes 3D technology could be transformative if implemented widely in Ghana and other regions.
“We are already struggling with insufficient doctors for the population’s healthcare needs,” he stated.
“If someone in a remote location lacks access to specialized services but requires them, a local doctor could utilize telemedicine to connect them to optimal care.”