Telemedicine in Koshi Province: An Overview

This telemedicine program links local health workers with specialists to improve healthcare in remote areas. It supports 100 health centers in Koshi Province with training, equipment, and awareness for better and more effective medical services.

Play an audio briefing about the program.

Introduction

Nepal's diverse geography presents significant challenges for accessing healthcare, especially in remote areas. This telemedicine project aims to overcome these barriers by using digital technology to bring healthcare directly to underserved communities in the Koshi Province. The project focuses on improving access to primary healthcare, particularly for disadvantaged groups, including women and the elderly.

B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Nepal, Nepal, in collaboration with the Geneva Digital Health Hub, hosted by the University of Geneva (UNIGE), is working to achieve this goal.

What is the Telemedicine Project?

  • This initiative uses tele-expertise to connect local health workers at rural health posts with doctors and specialists at the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS).
  • The project equips 100 health posts in the Koshi Province with tablet computers and utilizes existing internet access.
  • The program builds on the success of previous pilot projects that saw significant reductions in patient referral rates and costs.
  • The goal is to improve access to quality care, reduce inequalities, and empower communities through digital health solutions.

How Does it Work?

  • Local health workers conduct teleconsultations with specialists using tablets.
  • Each health post has a designated teleconsultation day coordinated with the BPKIHS team.
  • Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) raise awareness and support the project within communities.
  • Focuses primarily on primary care with options for specialist consultations.
  • A hotline supports health workers with technical and medical queries.
  • Telemedicine is for elective consultations, not emergency care.

Expected Impact on the Community

  • Reduced travel time and costs for remote patients.
  • Improved healthcare access for women, addressing mobility and responsibility barriers.
  • 10% reduction in unnecessary patient referrals.
  • 15% increase in healthcare facility attendance, particularly by women and the elderly.
  • Expanded access to specialized care like maternal and child health services.
  • Enhanced health education and empowerment through localized resources.
  • Optimized use of medical resources via better coordination.

Sustainability and Future of the Project

  • Integration into Nepal’s national digital health strategy for long-term sustainability.
  • Developing a self-sustaining business model, potentially with consultation fees.
  • Capacity building for local experts to maintain and expand the project.
  • Offline solutions for unreliable internet and addressing policy barriers.
  • Awareness campaigns involving Female Community Health Volunteers.
  • Collaboration with local authorities for smooth operations.

Who is doing this.

B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), in collaboration with the University of Geneva, is conducting this project. The core team at BPKIHS consists of four members, supported by scientists from the University of Geneva (gdHub). Prof. Dr. Narendra Bhatta serves as the focal person for the program, while Dr. Pramendra Prasad Gupta is responsible for coordinating the medical aspects and ensuring the success of telemedicine activities. Rakesh Kumar Das, Head of the IT Department at BPKIHS, is actively involved in the initiative. Anish Bhattarai serves as the Technical cum Administrative Coordinator, overseeing the program's in all aspects.