Teleradiology: For The Last Man In The Queue

With remote diagnosis and care becoming critically important, the teleradiology market in India is poised for high growth ahead

- NAGESH JOSHI

In the year 1955, the American SciFi writer and Professor of Biochemistry at Boston University, Isaac Asimov, wrote a short story titled, 'The Feeling of Power'.

A scene in the short story refers to a system using which medical images can be transmitted to distant places electronically for diagnosis. In less than 70 years, teleradiology has already become an established practice in healthcare worldwide.

Teleradiology, the practice of remotely interpreting medical images using technology, is gaining momentum in India due to the increasing demand for radiological services and the shortage of qualified radiologists in rural areas.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated the adoption of teleradiology services as healthcare providers looked for ways to manage patients remotely, thus, reducing the risk of exposure.

According to Dr Nikhil Mathur, Group Chief of Medical Services at CARE Hospitals Group, teleradiology has been used in India for many years to transmit ECGs and interpret images like X-rays and scans. The technology has also been used in real-time video and audio consultations and for teleICU collaborations between multispecialty and remote hospitals.

The main idea behind teleradiology is to manage operational expenses, especially for small or medium-sized healthcare facilities that cannot afford a radiologist available 24x7.

Through teleradiology, images are sent to a radiologist in a different location when images are taken, allowing for timely and accurate diagnoses. Emergency medical officers also use teleradiology services to collaborate and consult with radiologists in other places, reducing patient suffering and enhancing service delivery efficiency.

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