Telemedicine services to improve specialist access in islands

Telemedicine services with advanced diagnostic features are being introduced to address difficulties faced by patients in rural areas in accessing specialist doctors, according to Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) Medical Director Dr Aiminath Zeyba Ahmed.

Dr Zeyba shared this information during a meeting of the Parliament’s Social Affairs Committee, which had summoned officials from relevant institutions to discuss ongoing efforts to improve access to healthcare, especially challenges related to securing specialist appointments.

She said telemedicine systems have already been installed in regional hospitals and are currently undergoing testing. The systems include equipment capable of transmitting real-time diagnostic data, including stethoscope sounds such as heartbeats and lung function, to doctors based in Male’.

“These are systems that allow doctors in Male’ to remotely listen to a patient’s heart and lungs. Once operational, they will allow follow-up consultations without the patient needing to return to Male’,” Dr Zeyba said.

She explained that under the new system, a patient who had seen a specialist in Male’ could attend follow-up appointments from their home island via telemedicine. This would eliminate the need to travel again just to review test results or attend review appointments.

Dr Zeyba said she believes the system will help reduce the challenges faced by patients who currently must remain in the capital for extended periods to complete treatment.

According to IGMH, the introduction of telemedicine services is part of a broader plan to expand healthcare access and reduce patient congestion in facilities in Male’, especially for patients travelling from outer islands.