Fusion of ICT with med sci can meet challenges of healthcare: Prez

President Pranab Mukherjee today called for fusion of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with medical science to meet the challenges of health- care delivery in rural and remote areas of India.
"Fusion of ICT with medical science has enormous potential in meeting the challenges of health-care delivery in rural and remote areas. Blending technology can also aid education, training and management in health sector," he said while inaugurating the International Coronary Congress here.
"The range of technology application in healthcare is immense. From a simple telephonic discussion of the medical problem of a patient to a complex platform where diagnostic tests and consultation with specialists are performed, IT based solutions offer a ray of hope in overcoming physical distance in medical treatment," Mukherjee said.

International Coronary Congress, organised by Medanta The Medicity, is a first-of-its-kind event on coronary artery disease management bringing together the eminent cardiac surgeons and cardiologists from the world for a comprehensive overview of the subject.
Stating tele-cardiology has helped patients in remote regions to get timely and expert reports, leading to correct diagnosis and proper treatment, Mukherjee urged the forum to take them up and discuss their feasibility.
"With your concerted effort, the gap between rural patients and urban facilities can easily be bridged," he said.

Mukherjee said there was rapid growth of alternative medicines worldwide with universal health coverage being a challenge, and more and more patients are looking for simpler therapies to improve their quality of life.

"This has led to the rapid growth of alternative medicines worldwide. Recognising that a unitary medical system alone will not suffice the health needs of a huge population, India has adopted a pluralistic healthcare system.
"This approach is also based on the fact that every medicinal system exhibits strength in remedying specific lines of ailments. The allopathic system of medicine should explore complementaries with other systems in fighting diseases and medical conditions," he said.