Government to introduce telemedicine in health sector – Okoe-Boye

Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye, the President’s representative at the Ministry of Health, has announced plans to pioneer a pilot program for telemedicine in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service.

According to him, telemedicine will revolutionize patient-doctor interactions.

Speaking during a working visit to the Tema General Hospital on May 2, 2024, Dr. Okoe-Boye lauded the strides made by the Ghana Health Service in advancing healthcare accessibility through initiatives like the e-learning platform for continuous professional development.

He emphasized the importance of embracing technology to enhance healthcare delivery nationwide.

“The NPP government is committed to transforming and deepening the use of ICT for telemedicine and teleconsultation services within the network of practice. This integration will extend to the Regional Hospitals, further enhancing the quality and accessibility of healthcare services at all levels.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to commend the Ghana Health Service for implementing the e-learning platform, which aims to make continuous professional development easily accessible to all health professionals,” he said.

Highlighting the global trend towards leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, Dr. Okoe-Boye stressed the need to harness its potential for the benefit of all Ghanaians.

He affirmed the government's commitment to integrating AI technologies into healthcare delivery systems to improve quality and accessibility.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, as we navigate the path towards increasing the use of Artificial Intelligence (Al) technology worldwide, it is our responsibility to assess its implications for healthcare delivery.

“We must ensure that we leverage Artificial Intelligence to improve healthcare delivery for all Ghanaians and avoid being left behind.

“We are also strengthening the management architecture of primary healthcare delivery in the country. Through the Network of Practice (NoP) model, Health Centres will act as hubs, collaborating with sub-districts and other lesser facilities to address resource and service delivery gaps.

“This approach aims to increase our pace in achieving Universal Health Coverage targets by enabling facilities to deliver a comprehensive package of essential services,” he added.

Dr Patrick Kumah Aboagye, the director general of the Ghana Health Service added “In terms of telemedicine it is about one of the methods to reach out to people, not necessarily the reach, but anybody who needs care.

“And so, what it means is that instead of you coming to the facility…with the distance system, we are able to connect you to a doctor or health worker who will take care of your conditions.”

AM/

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