Tele-Health-Newsletter-April 2025

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Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

The Telemedicine Society of India (TSI) has two major announcements this year. The mid-term meeting of TSI is scheduled to be held in Guwahati in mid-May, while TELEMEDICON 2025 will take place in India’s IT capital, Bengaluru, at the end of November. Both events promise to be significant milestones in the telemedicine calendar, and more details are included in this newsletter.

We also bring you an engaging report from Dr. B.N. Mohanty, Past President of TSI, who has been a relentless champion for the growth of telemedicine in the state of Odisha. Every April, he organizes the state chapter meeting, and his comprehensive report offers valuable insights into the ongoing initiatives and progress being made.

As we step into the summer months, the soaring temperatures may result in a slight slowdown in field activities. However, this season also presents a great opportunity for the expansion of tele-consultations, allowing healthcare professionals and patients to stay connected while minimizing outdoor exposure.

With the intense heat upon us, we encourage everyone to take necessary precautions – stay well-hydrated, avoid unnecessary outdoor travel during peak hours. Stay cool, stay connected!

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
President-Elect, TSI
Mohanty

Oditelemedicon 2025 on theme, “Emerging Technologies influencing health care services”

Prof. B.N. Mohanty
Professor Emeritus Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery
IMS & Sum Hospital, SOA Deemed to be University Bhubaneswar &
Chief Coordinator Oditelemedicon 2025 | Past President, TSI- Odisha Chapter and Past President-TSI

The 13th annual conference of The Telemedicine Society of India (TSI), Odisha Chapter (Oditelemedicon 2025) was organized by TSI, Odisha Chapter in association with District Health Administration, Angul as a hybrid event on 12th April 2025. The venue for the conference was Black Diamond Complex, Angul, Odisha. The theme of the conference was “Emerging Technologies influencing health care services”. A total number of 124 participants from various districts of Odisha physically attended the conference. 17 TSI members attended the conference over virtual platform.

The conference was inaugurated by Mr.Abdaal M Akhtar, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Angul. Dr. Umashankar S , Secretary of Telemedicine Society of India attended the inaugural function as guest of honour. Dr. Bijay Kumar Mohapatra, president of TSI, Odisha Chapter presided over the function. Annual Report of the chapter was presented by Odisha Chapter secretary Dr. Sabyasachi Patnaik.

The 1st session was held on ‘Digital Solutions to meet healthcare needs’. The speakers in this session were Dr. B S Ratta, paediatric surgeon from Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune & past-president of TSI; Ms. Madhu Bhatia, Project Manager, DHID from C-DAC, Mohali and Dr.BNR Subudhi, chairman of Ruby Eye Hospital from Berhampur.

The 2nd session was held on ‘Innovations and changing clinical practice’. The speakers in this session were Dr. Pawan Gupta,Sr. Director of Surgical Oncology from MAX Hospital, Delhi NCR; Dr. Bidyut K Das,professor of clinical immunology & rheumatology from SCB Medical College, Cuttack ; Dr. Lucy Patnaik, Associate professor of Radiation Oncology from AH Post Graduate Institute of Cancer, Cuttack and Dr.Anshuman Das, Consultant, Department of Anaesthesia from NALCO Hospital, Angul.

The thematic symposium was held on the theme “Emerging Technologies influencing health care services” at 2.15pm convened by Dr. S K Mishra,Professor of the department of of Endocrine Surgery at Dr. RML Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow-cum- past president of TSI. The speakers were Dr. S K Mishra himself; Dr.Alok Modi,Medical Director of Dr Modi’s KEVALYA HOSPITAL from Thane,Maharastra; Dr.Umashankar S, Managing Director of Med.bot , Arogyayati Private Limited from Bangalore and Dr.P K Pradhan,Professor of Nuclear Medicine from SGPGIMS,Lucknow-cum- past president of TSI.

In the closing session held at 3.50pm, Dr.K Ganapathy, distinguished professor of The Tamilnadu Dr MGR Medical University and past-president of TSI delivered a talk on ‘Technological advances in healthcare in 2030: A peep in to the future’.

The chair persons for different sessions were Dr. I B Kar, past-president, TSI Odisha Chapter from Cuttack; Dr. B K Mohapatra, president of TSI Odisha Chapter from Bhubaneswar; Dr. S K Nayak ex-treasurer of TSI Odisha Chapter from Cuttack, Dr. Prabeer Ch. Mohanty, past-president of TSI Odisha Chapter from New Delhi; Dr.Arun K Choudhury, EC Member of TSI Odisha Chapter from Cuttack; Dr. Arun K Mohanty, Vice-President of TSI Odisha Chapter from Cuttack, Dr.Sibananda Mohanty past-president of TSI Odisha Chapter from Angul and Dr.B N Mohanty, past-president of TSI from Cuttack.

Medical Officers and Community Health Officers from various Govt. Hospitals of Angul District; IMA members of Angul & Talcher branch; Teachers of PMP Medical College & Hospital Angul; Medical Officers of NALCO Hospital; Medical Officers of O P Jindal Occupational Health Center of Jindal Nagar Angul; Medical Officers of NSC Hospital Talcher; TSI members and health administrators attended the conference in-person. Members of TSI including past-presidents, current executive committee members and other invited guests participated in the program over virtual platform from different locations.

The Annual General Body Meeting of the TSI, Odisha Chapter was held at the same venue at 1.15pm on 12.04.2025. The following life members of TSI were elected as office bearers of the Odisha state chapter for the term 2025-26.

 

President: Dr. B Nageswar Rao Subudhi, Berhampur
Immediate Past-President:
Dr. Bijay Kumar Mohapatra, Bhubaneswar
President-elect:
Dr. Arun Kumar Mohanty, Cuttack
Vice-President:
Dr. Arun Kumar Choudhury, Cuttack
Secretary:
Dr. Biswajit Samal , Angul
Jt. Secretary:Dr. Pranab Sankar Dash, Baripada
Treasurer:
Dr. Sarat Kumar Nayak, Cuttack
Executive Members (3):
Dr. Bidyut Kumar Das, Cuttack
Dr. Sribatsa Kumar Mohapatra, Burla
Dr. Sabyasachi Patnaik, Rourkela

The valedictory function was held at 4.15pm. Newly elected president Dr. BNR Subudhi was installed during the valedictory function. After installation the incoming president spoke about his plan of action for the coming year. The District Health Administration of Angul District represented by CDM & PHO, Angul was felicitated by President of TSI. Chief Coordinator of the conference Dr. B N Mohanty thanked profusely the Collector & District Magistrate of Angul and the district health administration for their overwhelming support to organize the conference. He also thanked all invited speakers. In the valedictory function, president of IMA, Angul branch highly appreciated the TSI, Odisha Chapter for its consistent effort in enhancing the knowledge of medical professionals of different districts of Odisha on the changing spectrum of digital health application and the consequent benefits to the common man.

 

Glimpses of the Oditelemedicon 2025

 

Inaugural Function of Oditelemedicon 2025
Felicitation of District Health Administration of Angul District
Transfer of Presidential Medallion to incoming president Dr.BNR Subudhi
TSI Odisha Chapter Executive Body(Both outgoing & incoming officers)
Trupti_Shirole

DeepTek’s Chest X-ray AI Achieves EU MDR Certification

Dr. Trupti Shirole
BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)
Content Writer, Medindia.net

DeepTek reports that its Chest X-ray AI solution has been certified as a Class IIb medical device under the European Union Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR).

Chest X-ray AI Solution Helps Identify 20+ Lung Disorders

The purpose of the Chest X-ray AI solution is to help doctors analyze frontal chest X-rays (AP/PA views). With the help of sophisticated machine learning, the solution can identify more than 20 different lung disorders, including rib and clavicular fractures, as well as nodules, lung masses, TB, and pneumothorax.

Furthermore, the solution recognizes a number of medical devices that are frequently seen in intensive care units and inpatient settings, including pacemakers, chest leads, and different tubes, which offer crucial assistance in challenging clinical situations.

This approach can also read pediatric chest X-rays and detect pediatric tuberculosis and pneumonia, hence improving diagnostic capacities in younger populations, which are frequently underserved by traditional AI models.

DeepTek Acquires CE-Mark and Full US FDA CADe Certification

DeepTek can now make its solution available across Europe and other CE-mark-recognized locations, providing a strong tool to boost productivity, decrease diagnostic delays, and promote quality care delivery on a large scale.

Furthermore, it has acquired full US FDA CADe certification, demonstrating its dependability and clinical rigour in medical imaging applications.

The need for such solutions is especially urgent in areas with a high tuberculosis burden and limited access to specialist radiologists. With a rising tuberculosis burden and an increasing radiology workload, CE certification paves the path for implementation in Europe, Asia, Africa, and other CE-marked locations where AI-driven diagnostics are not only helpful but critical.

The technology has been deployed at 325 TB screening sites, supporting national TB programs and public health activities across several geographies.
Shanmathi_Rajendran

Heart Fix in a Flash: A Pacemaker You Can Inject and Forget!

Dr. Shanmathi Rajendran
BDS
Content Writer, Medindia.net

 

Scientists from the United States have developed the smallest pacemaker, which is smaller than a rice grain? This smart device naturally dissolves inside the body after its programming task ends, thus reducing patient risk, recovery time, and surgical procedure complications.

Grain-Sized Pacemaker That Melts Away!

Modern cardiac pacing systems received substantial advancements through the development of small wireless pacemakers. The Nature Communications study published significant findings about fully implantable pacemakers that operated through near-field energy exchange mechanisms tested on tiny animal subjects, unlocking the potential for self-powered cardiac technologies. This breakthrough finding influenced the incorporation of dissolvable components inside the pacemaker, eliminating the barriers faced with traditional devices.

The wireless pacemaker is battery-free, transmitting infrared light via the skin surface. Small, light-sensitive electronic circuits built into the system enable it to receive and process external light signals used for real-time heart rhythm adjustments. The technology removes the requirement for heavy batteries and hazardous wires that commonly appear inside conventional devices. The pacemaker fits seamlessly onto heart surfaces through its thin, flexible construction for precise electrical pulse delivery.

Why It’s Game-Changing?

Traditional pacemakers are effective, but they frequently result in adverse effects, including infections and dislodged lead, which require extra operations to remove them. That’s where the dissolvable pacemaker system comes into play!

The device exists to dissolve naturally within weeks while simultaneously decreasing hospitalization time and lowering medical expenses and surgical procedures. Medical professionals have identified this temporary, non-invasive option as potentially lifesaving for patients who need post-cardiac surgery support particularly among newborns and infants born with congenital defects.

Engineering a Medical Marvel

Biodegradable materials like magnesium, silicon, and polymers form the core structure of the device. Engineers program these components to erode at specific release rates, which determine the patient requirements. The medical device exhibited reliable and safe performance throughout all preclinical tests conducted on small animals. Such an accomplishment within this bioelectronic and transient medical device demonstrates how medicine can benefit from nanotechnology integration!

Future Potential and Clinical Trials

Researchers tested the pacemaker using animal subjects before moving to human trials. This innovation presents the potential to transform the global cardiac care system, which is particularly beneficial for neonatal and pediatric care as permanent devices face challenges related to size and growth requirements. This light-based control system demonstrates the potential of its technology, extending its usefulness in neuromodulation therapy and soft-tissue interventions.

The dissolvable pacemaker delivered through injection has the potential to revolutionize temporary heart rhythm correction by providing safer and less invasive recovery along with quick treatment procedures. This clinical trial breakthrough is drawing global attention and may mark a new milestone in cardiac medicine.

“Heartbeats restored with no trace left behind!”
Colleen_Fleiss

AI Ushers in a New Era for Tuberculosis Detection

Colleen Fleiss
M.SC (Bioinformatics)
Content Writer, Medindia.net

KIMS Hospitals, Minister Road, has taken a giant leap in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) by conducting its largest-ever artificial intelligence (AI)– driven study on TB detection using chest X-rays (CXRs). The groundbreaking study retrospectively analyzed 16,675 chest X-rays of adult patients using the advanced AI tool qXR, without direct clinician intervention—marking a milestone in AI-powered diagnostics in India.

AI for TB Detection

The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of AI in detecting pulmonary TB and to measure its alignment with expert radiologists’ interpretations. The findings were striking: the AI tool demonstrated a sensitivity of 88.7%, showcasing its remarkable ability to correctly identify TB-positive cases. Furthermore, the tool exhibited a Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 97%, confirming its strong reliability in ruling out non-TB cases. With a specificity of 69.1%, the AI met and even surpassed the minimum criteria set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for TB screening tools.

One of the most noteworthy outcomes of the study was the high level of agreement between AI-based assessments and radiologist interpretations. This significant overlap underscores the potential of AI to not only supplement but also strengthen diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making—especially in high-burden, resource-limited settings.

Dr. Latha Sarma, Head of Department and Senior Consultant Pulmonologist at KIMS Hospitals, remarked, “The ability of AI to assist in TB detection with such high accuracy is a game-changer, particularly in areas where access to radiology experts is limited. This can have a profound impact on early diagnosis and timely treatment.”

Dr. Chaithanya Isamalla, Senior Consultant Radiologist at KIMS, added, “AI is not a replacement for human judgment, but it is an incredibly powerful tool for first-line screening. It helps streamline workflows and ensures that complex cases get the focused attention they require.”

The study highlights the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, particularly in combating infectious diseases like TB. Tools like qXR offer promising opportunities to scale up early detection, reduce diagnostic delays, and ultimately improve treatment outcomes. As the integration of AI into healthcare systems becomes more widespread, KIMS Hospitals’ pioneering work sets the stage for broader adoption of AI technologies in medical diagnostics—ushering in a new era of smarter, faster, and more accessible healthcare.
Colleen_Fleiss

AI for Early and Accurate Detection of Parkinson’s Disease

Colleen Fleiss
M.SC (Bioinformatics)
Content Writer, Medindia.net

A researcher at the University of Florida has created an innovative open-source AI program, VisionMD, to analyze videos of patients with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. This tool enables doctors to more precisely track subtle motor changes, enhancing patient care and advancing clinical research.

Diego Guarin, Ph.D., an assistant professor of applied physiology and kinesiology in UF’s College of Health and Human Performance, created the software to address the potential risk of inconsistency and subjectivity in traditional clinical assessments.

“Over the years, we have shown through our research that video analysis of patients performing finger-tapping and other movements provides valuable information about how the disease is progressing and responding to medications or deep brain stimulation,” Guarin said. “However, clinicians don’t have the time and personnel to analyze their videos. To address this, we developed software that can deliver useful results with just a few clicks.”

Guarin, a member of the Fixel Institute for Neurological Disease at UF Health, worked closely with neurologists and other clinician-scientists from the Fixel Institute to refine the tool.

VisionMD analyzes standard videos – whether recorded on a smartphone, laptop or over Zoom – and automatically extracts precise motion metrics. The software runs entirely on local computers, ensuring data privacy.

“It’s not cloud-based, so there is no risk of data leaving the network. You can even unplug from the internet, and it still runs,” Guarin said. The tool is already in use globally, with researchers in Germany, Spain and Italy using it to analyze thousands of patient videos as they explore how computer vision can improve movement disorder care.

Florian Lange, a neurologist at University Hospital Würzburg, praised the software’s ability to provide consistent, objective measurements. He and Martin Reich, a neuroimaging professor at University of Würzburg, adapted VisionMD to help them optimize treatment for patients with tremor, particularly those using deep brain stimulation, or DBS, implants.

“A big challenge with many aspects of medicine today is how difficult it is to get objective data, especially with movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease or tremor,” Lange said from his office in Germany. “If the three of us watched the same video of a patient, we might rate the severity at three different levels. But the software gives us precise, unbiased data.”

By recording videos of patients at a variety of stimulator settings, the software identifies which DBS configuration offers the best symptom relief.

“There are millions of possible programming options, but this tool helps us narrow it down quickly and accurately,” Reich said.

As open-source software, the program is freely available to improve and customize.

The team is also working to expand the tool’s capabilities by adding more motor assessment tasks frequently used in clinical settings.

Early adopters say VisionMD’s accessibility and ease of use have the potential to transform movement disorder research and care.

“It takes only a few seconds to process each video,” Guarin said. “We are confident most clinicians will be able to use it, regardless of their technical expertise.”

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claims Saying ‘PLEASE’ & ‘THANK YOU’ TO CHATGPT costs tens of millions of dollars

A single query in ChatGPT uses enough energy to power a lightbulb for “about 20 minutes.”

This better – if u can

::ANNOUNCEMENTS::

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Click here to Become a Member of Telemedicine Society of India

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines – A Foundation Course for RMPs by TSI Faculty

To know more about the Telemedicine Foundation Course click on the link below:
https://tsitn.org/tpg-course/

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter-March 2025

Click Here to Download PDF Version

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

The month of March saw a dip in telehealth activities, though we have covered the Apollo Telehealth event in detail. In this newsletter, we focus on an interesting area of smart hospitals that are already revolutionizing patient care-and soon, they will make significant inroads into India.

In addition, we share the inspiring story of Eric Lefkofsky, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Groupon, who turned personal adversity into groundbreaking innovation. In 2014, after his wife Liz was diagnosed with breast cancer, Eric was struck by the limited use of data in critical oncology decision making. Determined to change this, he founded Tempus, an AI-powered precision medicine company that now processes over 50,000 patient samples monthly and has grown to an $8.1 billion valuation. His journey from crisis to innovation exemplifies how technology can be harnessed to revolutionize healthcare. For more insights, be sure to watch his recent interview on YouTube – the link is provided in our newsletter.

As we head into the summer months, with temperatures expected to peak, we encourage everyone to take extra care and stay cool.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore the latest trends and success stories shaping the future of healthcare. Do contribute, and get your events documented. We wish Odhisha Chapter the very best for the upcoming telemedicine state chapter conference.

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
President-Elect, TSI

Revolutionizing Healthcare: The 12th International Conference on Transforming Healthcare with IT


Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation

In a landmark event redefining the intersection of healthcare and digital innovation, the 12th International Conference on Transforming Healthcare with IT unfurled its dynamic agenda on the 21st and 22nd of February, 2025, at the esteemed Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Under the compelling theme “From Hype to Hope: Establishing a Digital Health Landscape,” this transformative conclave, spearheaded by the Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation and Apollo Hospitals, convened an elite cadre of global pioneers in healthcare and information technology. The gathering served as an incubator for groundbreaking discussions, unveiling cutting-edge advancements poised to redefine the contours of modern medicine. The event witnessed the participation of over 7,000 delegates, 400+ speakers, and 200+ innovators, making it one of the most impactful healthcare IT conferences to date.

A Visionary Convergence for Digital Healthcare Evolution

The core ambition of this high-calibre symposium was to delineate the manifold ways in which information technology can propel healthcare into an era of heightened efficiency, precision, and accessibility. By fostering dialogue among experts, the event spotlighted emerging trends, persistent challenges, and pioneering solutions within healthcare IT. The deliberations centred on harnessing digital breakthroughs to refine patient care, optimize clinical workflows, and curtail operational expenditures.

Key Features of the Conference

Illuminating Keynote Sessions

A constellation of influential thought leaders, including Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Dr Jitendra Singh, Dr Sangitha Reddy, and Health Ministers representing Maldives, Guyana, Fiji, and Eswatini, delivered riveting keynote addresses. These luminaries expounded upon critical themes such as artificial intelligence in healthcare, cybersecurity imperatives, and the expansive reach of telemedicine. Their discourse underscored the transformative prowess of technology in sculpting the future of global healthcare systems.

Dynamic Panel Discussions

Interactive panel dialogues facilitated robust engagement among attendees and industry stalwarts, delving into pivotal topics such as digital health records, big data analytics, and interoperability solutions. These sessions served as crucibles for idea exchange, fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations that promise to drive the next wave of healthcare advancements.

Strategic Networking Opportunities

The conference provided a fertile ground for forging meaningful professional alliances, offering participants an invaluable chance to connect with peers, visionaries, and potential collaborators. These interactions catalyzed the genesis of strategic partnerships and set the stage for long-term synergies in healthcare innovation.

Pivotal Outcomes and Industry Advancements

Enriching Knowledge Exchange

Attendees gained unparalleled insights into the latest healthcare IT paradigms, equipping them with actionable intelligence on leveraging technological prowess to refine medical delivery and patient management.

Catalyzing Collaborative Initiatives

The event functioned as an accelerator for cooperative endeavours, facilitating groundbreaking partnerships between healthcare institutions, technology firms, and policy architects. These alliances are expected to seed transformative projects aimed at reshaping healthcare landscapes globally.

Showcasing Revolutionary Solutions

Innovative technological marvels took centre stage, with AI-driven diagnostic systems, blockchain-powered patient data security solutions, and state-of-the-art telehealth platforms emerging as the highlights of the conference. These cutting-edge tools exemplify the potential of digital integration in enhancing healthcare accessibility and efficiency.

Trailblazing Approaches Elevating the Conference Experience

Immersive Virtual Reality Demonstrations

Pioneering the integration of experiential technology, the event featured Virtual Reality (VR) showcases, allowing attendees to engage with avant-garde healthcare IT solutions in a deeply immersive manner. This hands-on exploration brought theoretical innovations to life, offering tangible perspectives on their real-world applicability.

The “Solvathon” Hackathon

A riveting 36-hour hackathon, aptly dubbed “Solvathon,” convened a coalition of students, developers, and healthcare IT trailblazers. Participants were tasked with devising ingenious solutions to real-world healthcare dilemmas. The most promising innovations were spotlighted on the conference stage, celebrating technical ingenuity and problem-solving acumen.

Hybrid Format for Expanded Reach

Embracing inclusivity, the conference adopted a hybrid model, blending physical attendance with virtual participation. This format ensured broader accessibility, allowing professionals from across the globe to partake in the intellectual discourse and knowledge dissemination.

Live-Streaming for Unparalleled Accessibility

To democratize access to these invaluable discussions, conference sessions were broadcast live, enabling remote audiences to engage with thought leaders and industry experts in realtime.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Healthcare IT

In summation, the 12th International Conference on Transforming Healthcare with IT emerged as an unequivocal triumph, serving as a crucible for innovation, collaboration, and intellectual exchange. The event reaffirmed the indispensable role of digital technology in sculpting a more efficient, patient-centric healthcare ecosystem. With great anticipation, we look forward to the 13th edition of this trailblazing conference, where the journey of digital transformation in healthcare will continue to break new frontiers.

Video Link: Transforming Health with IT 2025 | Revolutionizing Healthcare Through Technology

 
Dr-Sunil-Shroff

Smart Hospitals: Revolutionizing Healthcare for a Digital Future

Dr. Sunil Shroff
President-Elect, Telemedicine Society of India | Consultant Urologist & Transplant Surgeon

Smart hospitals represent the future of healthcare by harnessing advanced technologies to deliver more effective and efficient patient care. These innovative institutions integrate artificial intelligence, IoT devices, robotics, and data analytics to revolutionize daily operations and treatment processes. By utilizing real-time data from sensors, wearable devices, and electronic health records, smart hospitals enable proactive monitoring and personalized care plans, ensuring timely interventions in critical situations.

Automation of routine tasks, including scheduling, billing, and maintenance, streamlines operations and allows medical staff to focus on patient outcomes. Artificial intelligence also enhances diagnostic accuracy by analyzing large volumes of medical data and identifying patterns that indicate early signs of illness.

Furthermore, remote monitoring and telemedicine capabilities extend healthcare services beyond traditional hospital settings, providing care for patients in rural or underserved areas. Data-driven decision-making optimizes resource allocation and treatment protocols, reducing hospital stays and operational costs. With a focus on improving patient safety and experience, smart hospitals are poised to transform the healthcare landscape, making it more responsive, efficient, and patient-centered. Embracing these technologies now promises a future where medical care is continuously evolving to meet the demands of an increasingly digital world. This transformation ultimately leads to significantly better outcomes for all.

Watch the YouTube Video from China about Smart Hospitals

The video showcases various automated systems operating within a modern hospital, presented as part of “China’s Smart Hospital Revolution.”

  1. Overhead Rail Delivery System: Small, boxy robotic units travel along tracks installed on the ceiling. They navigate corridors, make turns, and appear to transport items (presumably medicines or small supplies) between locations, such as from a central pharmacy to a nurse station (a sign for “Nurse Station” is visible). Some units have digital displays.
  2. Automated Pharmacy Storage/Retrieval: Inside what looks like a pharmacy storage area with floor-to-ceiling shelves packed with medicine boxes, a large robotic system with an arm moves vertically and horizontally to select and retrieve specific packages.
  3. Pharmacy Dispensing: At a pharmacy counter, retrieved medicines arrive via a large spiral chute system, delivering them down to a waiting pharmacist or technician who collects them in a basket.
  4. Floor-Based Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): Different types of robots are shown moving autonomously along hospital corridors on the floor. One robot carries a multi-tiered cart loaded with linens or supplies. Staff can be seen working alongside these robots, with one person even riding a small electric bike/scooter in the same hallway.
  5. Automated Injection Preparation: A close-up shows a robotic arm precisely handling vials and a syringe, seemingly preparing an injection automatically.


Overall, the video highlights the integration of advanced robotics and automation for tasks like medicine retrieval, transport, dispensing, supply logistics, and potentially even medication preparation within a Chinese hospital setting, aiming to improve efficiency.
Murthy-Remilla

Efforts to Expand Telemedicine Services and TSI in North Eastern Region of India

Dr. Murthy Remilla
Vice-President, Telemedicine Society of India

As TSI members are aware, we have a North-East Chapter of TSI from Oct 2023, headquartered at Guwahati. Generally, a minimum of 20 members are required to start a state chapter. However, in the case of north east comprising the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura (commonly known as the “Seven Sisters”), and the “brother” state of Sikkim was considered special by the TSI EC and approved forming a chapter for the 8 chapters together to kickstart the activities. The plan is to slowly expand to as many individual state chapters as possible with 20 members from each state particularly, two big states among them viz., Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Though the chapter was formed more than a year and half, significant activity is yet to take off.

I had been to Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) and Guwahati (Assam) personally recently to have personal discussions and motivate and mobilize the teams and also to encourage them to hold this year’s Mid-Term Conference at in the region. The preliminary discussions brought out the fact that, Guwahati is the big city of the region and with good access by road, air and rail. Guwahati also has good number of Medical and Engineering institutions including prestigious AIIMS and IIT.

Had a great Introductory meeting with Dr. Ashok Puranik (Col.) Executive Director AIIMS on March 18,2025. He is very enthusiastic and eager to join TSI and work for the expansion of TM services particularly in NE. When mooted the idea of holding the Midterm meeting of TSI and requested AIIMS to join hands, he has instantly agreed in-principle. To discuss the details and modalities, he was kind enough to give time for a formal meeting along with his TM team the next day where in TSI member Mr. S.N.Farid from Guwahati and AIIMS team of doctors and Telemedicine team participated.

AIIMS also has been thinking of conducting a national workshop on Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (TMPG) for limited numbers as a sort of Training of the Trainers (To). However, on our request it was agreed upon and decided to hold the workshop as part of the Midterm conference to a larger audience during the month of May,2025. AIIMS will be providing the venue and extend best possible support. It was decided to invite as many state government doctors and practioners from all the states of the region and impart this training basically covering- Evolution and Growth of TM in India, TMPG and Ethical and Legal aspects of TM in addition to a talk on the Revenue based business model for TM. ED AIIMS requested a lecture of mine to their medical community and I was fortunate enough to address about 50-60 of them and presented the introduction, status and need for expanding TM Services in the region.

Subsequently, had two wonderful meetings and promising developments at IIT Guwahati where we met two professors Dr. Pradip K Das and Prof. Ajay Dashora who have accepted in principle to be part of midterm conference with one lecture to their Students and faculty on the first day and encouraging their students and faculty for abstracts submission.

Another surprising and unexpected visit was to Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) at Byrnihat, Ri-Bhoi District Meghalaya. This happened with the personal request and initiative of Dr. Krishna Reedy, Dean of the Unversity. Located about 2 hours drive from Guwahati, nestled amidst the serene hills of Meghalaya, with its recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and approvals from several. professional bodies. Had an occasion to address and interact with MGU’s students of diverse range of courses in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Nursing department provides ANM and GNM courses, preparing compassionate healthcare professionals, Legal Studies, Allied Health Sciences etc. addressing the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. The students also were from the Science & Technology department and Commerce & Management along with Humanities & Social Sciences. Gave the introduction to Telemedicine and how that is more needed and how it can be more useful for their region. The Space Technology based talk was mainly focused and tailored to prepare them for the Telemedicine and rural healthcare services in the backdrop of the infrastructure and affordability for advanced healthcare to that population. Answering the questions from students, information about the proposed midterm conference was given to attract abstracts and participation, but more importantly advised then to take up internships and project works in Telemedicine for different specialties of their studies- Market Potential & Business models; Geographic mapping of Communication and internet availability and zonation of them based on the level of connectivity options; database and mapping of the hospitals and their capacities & specialties; the legal aspects of Telemedicine Practice and any other work for the application of science and Technology for the society. The students were happy (seemed to be happy) with the prospects of potential internships and project works and promised to become students members since I have linked that as a precondition for extending help in internships and project works. Let’s hope for the best and provide our best support whenever they approach, in our own offices or using our contacts in industry. This should be a win-win-win situation for the students, University and TSI as well.

 
dr_pavithra

Digitalized Health Insurance: How Technology is Transforming Customer Experiences

Dr. Pavithra S
Assistant Editor, Medindia.net

The health insurance industry is in the middle of a massive digital transformation, triggered by the increasing need for enhanced customer experience. 74% of customers claim they experience problems when trying to buy insurance via the Internet, while 88% say that they want products to be developed for them specifically. Still, 21% of customers think that insurer’s services are not fully personalizable. These figures provide more compelling evidence that cannot go unnoticed by the insurers, and the need to embark on the digital transformation agenda.

AI in Health Insurance

AI is also one of the most vital digital technologies that is being implemented by the health insurance industry. Machine learning analytics delivers relevant customer premiums and risk management plans with up-to-date information for insurance companies. According to the research, the implementation of AI and machine learning is projected to raise labor productivity in the sector to 35% by 2025. In addition, AI in platforms is of great value when it comes to customer relations by providing quick and efficient responses from webchats, and electronic assistants, among others.

Blockchain for Health Insurance

Technological advancement, specifically through blockchain, offers transparency and security to the insurance process. According to a survey conducted in 2019, 66% of the insurers are embracing blockchain to enhance the claim processing and fraudulent control. Blockchain effectively guarantees secure transfer of health data between various stakeholders because the records cannot be tampered with. Also, blockchain supports efficient interaction between various healthcare stakeholders, secondary making communication of data streamlined.

Technologies Leading Change in Health Insurance

Internet of Things (IoT): Smart objects allow for patients’ health status to be collected, with real-time data as vital signs, adherence to taken medications, and conditions of chronic diseases. Consequently, it will be possible for insurers to refine the rates and also to offer targeted care. Analysing current trends, experts predict that the count of smart health devices will exceed 50 billion within the year 2028, which should constitute a fantastic opportunity for insurers.

Cloud Computing: Cloud computing is an indispensable commodity in the insurance business due to its scalability and flexibility. Cloud platforms enable the possibility of accessing the needed data in real-time, and fasten the speed of claim handling. Currently, the COVID-19 crisis is driving more insurance firms to invest in cloud-based solutions, and studies suggest that an average of 55% of insurance companies will focus on cloud technology within 3 years to enable insurance digitalization initiatives.

Advantages of Digitalized Health Insurance

  • Improved Efficiency and Reduced Costs: With AI, the insurance companies can scale down their costs of operations in claims and underwriting procedures, while at the same time increasing their speed. It is apparent that the use of technology can shave between 30-40% off of the overall time it takes to process claims.
  • Enhanced Customer Experience: Using AI and predictive analytics in developing insurance products creates a customer experience. According to the survey conducted in April 2021, as many as 70% of customers indicated their desire to buy insurance that meets their specific need.
  • Better Data Management and Security: Blockchain to guarantee secure transactions and free up cloud computing to store and safeguard personal health information from privacy and regulatory invasions. Due to cyber threats, the world economy lost $6 trillion annually, therefore emphasizing the role of effective cybersecurity.

Challenges and Barriers for Health Insurance Tech

  • Resistance to Change and Legacy Systems: Most insurance companies today are hardly modern in terms of IT infrastructure and equipment, which hinders the adoption of new technologies; 60% of responding insurers noted that their company’s biggest problem in embracing digital change was that the current IT infrastructure was outdated.
  • Cybersecurity and Regulatory Concerns: Insurers are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks because they process a huge amount of personal data. According to the survey, cybersecurity requires special attention, and insurers are increasingly concerned about it. 58% of insurers cited the importance of data privacy and regulation as critical.

Digital health transformation goes beyond the mere adoption of technology to reconstruct the health insurance industry. By embracing AI, blockchain, IoT, and cloud computing, insurers can boost efficiency and deliver on customer expectations in today’s society.

Research shows that companies that embark on digital initiatives are 2.5 times more likely to deliver higher value than competitors in terms of customer satisfaction and business returns. This shift is important for the long-term sustainability of any organization and especially for the future in the increasing technological environment.

From Crisis to Revolution: How Eric Lefkofsky Turned Personal Tragedy into a Data-Driven Healthcare Breakthrough

Eric Lefkofsky, a billionaire entrepreneur known for Groupon, founded Tempus after his wife, Liz, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. He was alarmed by the lack of data-driven decision-making in oncology and set out to change it.

In 2015, he built a team of experts to develop AI-powered systems that analyze unstructured medical data. Over the years, Tempus refined its genomic analysis algorithms, secured partnerships with major medical centers, and built one of the largest clinical databases, processing over 50,000 patient samples monthly. The company expanded beyond oncology into psychiatry, cardiology, and infectious diseases, proving the scalability of its model.

Today, Tempus has partnered with 50% of U.S. academic medical centers, raised over $1.3 billion from investors like Google, and reached an $8.1 billion valuation with 2,000+ employees. Most importantly, Liz is now cancer-free.

Lefkofsky didn’t just create another unicorn—he introduced Silicon Valley’s data-driven innovation to healthcare.

You can Watch him speaking in a recent interview on Youtube

Transforming Healthcare: Omar Abdullah’s 2025 Budget Expands AIIMS, Nursing Schools, Universal Health Insurance, and Strengthens Telemedicine

In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize healthcare accessibility, Omar Abdullah’s 2025 budget introduces a comprehensive package aimed at strengthening medical infrastructure, enhancing workforce training, and leveraging technology for better patient care.

Key highlights of the budget include:

  • Two New AIIMS: Establishing two additional All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to improve tertiary care access.
  • Ten New Nursing Schools: Expanding medical education and strengthening the healthcare workforce.
  • Universal Health Insurance: Providing Rs 5 lakh coverage for all citizens, ensuring financial security in medical emergencies.
  • Telemedicine Expansion: A major push towards digital health with enhanced telemedicine infrastructure to bridge the urban-rural healthcare divide.

A Game-Changer for Telemedicine

Recognizing the transformative potential of digital health, the budget prioritizes telemedicine to enhance healthcare delivery, particularly in remote and underserved regions. By integrating telemedicine with traditional healthcare, this budget lays the foundation for a more inclusive, accessible, and technology-driven healthcare system, ensuring quality medical care reaches every citizen, regardless of location.

::ANNOUNCEMENTS::

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad

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Nanotech Meets Smartphone: Rapid Jaundice Detection in Newborns

A portable sensing platform enables quick and accurate jaundice detection for improved health monitoring…….. Read More

India’s AI Revolution: Healthcare Sector Takes the Lead

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Click here to Become a Member of Telemedicine Society of India

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines – A Foundation Course for RMPs by TSI Faculty

To know more about the Telemedicine Foundation Course click on the link below:
https://tsitn.org/tpg-course/

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter-February 2025

Click Here to Download PDF Version

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

February saw Dr. Krishna Kumar, our Treasurer, putting in remarkable efforts to promote telehealth at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Dr. Umasankar and Dr. Murthy visited him, offering their valuable support during this significant initiative. Aside from this, there were no major activities to report for the month.

This issue features three engaging articles that delve into important topics shaping the future of healthcare:

  1. “The Future of Healthcare: Game-Changing Trends in 2025” by Dr. Pavithra explores the innovative trends and technologies poised to transform the healthcare landscape in the coming years.
  2. “AI-Enabled Wearable Sensor Uses Vibration to Curb Nocturnal Scratching” by Dr. Preethi introduces a cutting-edge wearable sensor designed to address nocturnal scratching, offering a promising solution for individuals with skin conditions.
  3. “New HIPAA Guidelines Set to Improve Cybersecurity in Healthcare” by Naina discusses the latest updates to HIPAA regulations aimed at enhancing cybersecurity measures within the healthcare sector.

These articles provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of healthcare, highlighting the role of technology and new regulations in shaping the industry’s future.

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
President-Elect, TSI
dr_pavithra

Future of Healthcare: Game Changing Trends in 2025

Dr. Pavithra S
Assistant Editor, Medindia.net

As we look ahead, the healthcare industry is on the brink of a transformative era. Rapid advancements in technology, patient engagement, and operational efficiency are set to redefine how care is delivered. Here are some distinct trends that will shape the future of healthcare.

Personalized Medicine: Tailoring Treatment to the Individual

In 2025, personalized medicine will become a cornerstone of patient care. Advances in genomics and biotechnology will enable healthcare providers to develop treatments tailored to individual genetic profiles and health histories. This approach will not only enhance the effectiveness of treatments but also minimize adverse side effects. Patients will receive customized care plans that consider their unique biological makeup, leading to improved outcomes and higher satisfaction rates.

Telehealth Expansion: Bridging Gaps in Access

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth, and by 2025, it will be an integral part of healthcare delivery. Virtual consultations will become the norm, allowing patients to access care from the comfort of their homes. This trend will be particularly beneficial for individuals in rural or underserved areas, where access to specialists is limited. Enhanced telehealth platforms will incorporate advanced features such as remote monitoring and AI-driven diagnostics, making healthcare more accessible and efficient.

Data Interoperability: Seamless Information Sharing

As healthcare systems become increasingly digitized, the need for data interoperability will be paramount. By 2025, healthcare providers will prioritize the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) across different platforms. This seamless sharing of patient information will facilitate coordinated care, reduce duplication of tests, and enhance clinical decision-making. Patients will have greater control over their health data, allowing them to share relevant information with multiple providers easily.

Mental Health Integration: Prioritizing Emotional Well-Being

Recognizing the importance of mental health, healthcare providers will increasingly integrate mental health services into primary care settings by 2025. This holistic approach will ensure that mental health is treated with the same urgency as physical health. Providers will utilize screening tools to identify mental health issues early and offer comprehensive treatment options, including therapy and medication management. This trend will help destigmatize mental health care and promote overall well-being.

Sustainable Healthcare Practices: A Greener Future

As awareness of environmental issues grows, the healthcare sector will adopt more sustainable practices by 2025. Providers will focus on reducing waste, utilizing eco-friendly materials, and implementing energy-efficient technologies in healthcare facilities. Telehealth and remote monitoring will also contribute to sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint associated with patient travel. This commitment to sustainability will not only benefit the planet but also enhance the reputation of healthcare organizations as socially responsible entities.

The future of healthcare is poised for significant change, driven by personalized medicine, telehealth, data interoperability, mental health integration, and sustainable practices. As these trends unfold, healthcare providers must adapt to meet the evolving needs of patients and the healthcare landscape. By embracing these innovations, the industry can create a more efficient, accessible, and compassionate healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals.
Dr_preeti

AI-Enabled Wearable Sensor Uses Vibration to Curb Nocturnal Scratching

Dr. Preethi Balasubranamian, BDS
Associtae Editor, Medindia.net

 

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by persistent itching and the itch-scratch cycle. Nocturnal scratching significantly disrupts sleep, leading to fatigue, stress, and worsening of symptoms. Traditional treatments focus on topical medications and systemic therapies, but a novel, nonpharmacological intervention has been developed to address nocturnal scratching through wearable technology. Researchers at Northwestern University have tested an AI-enabled wearable sensor that delivers vibratory feedback to reduce scratching episodes.

The Itch-Scratch Cycle in Atopic Dermatitis

The itch-scratch cycle is a hallmark of atopic dermatitis. Scratching an itchy site induces inflammation, which exacerbates itchiness, leading to further scratching. This cycle is particularly problematic during sleep when individuals may not be conscious of their scratching behavior. Nocturnal scratching not only worsens skin lesions but also affects sleep quality, contributing to physical and psychological distress.

AI-Driven Wearable Sensor: Concept and Development

Previous studies validated an AI-enabled wearable sensor (ADAM sensor, developed by Sibel Health) capable of detecting nocturnal scratching. The new study introduced a vibratory feedback mechanism to evaluate its potential as a nonpharmacological intervention. The sensor aims to provide real-time feedback to interrupt scratching behaviors without disturbing overall sleep.

The study, titled Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Wearable Devices and Nocturnal Scratching in Mild Atopic Dermatitis, was published in JAMA Dermatology. It was conducted as a single-arm, two-stage cohort trial at Northwestern University’s Department of Dermatology.

  • Ten adult participants (aged 18 or older) with mild atopic dermatitis and moderate to severe nocturnal scratching were enrolled.

  • Disease severity was assessed using the Validated Investigator Global Assessment (vIGA) score.

Sensor Design and Functionality

  • The device is a soft, flexible, dorsal hand-mounted sensor made of medical-grade silicone.
  • It has wireless capabilities and an integrated haptic motor.

  • The vibratory feedback delivers 1.4G vibrations at 10,000 RPM upon detection of scratching.

Study Phases

  • Baseline Monitoring (Week 1): Participants wore the device without vibratory feedback to record baseline nocturnal scratching patterns.
  • Intervention Phase (Week 2): The vibratory feedback mechanism was activated, providing alerts when scratching was detected.

Data was collected over 104 nights, accumulating 831 hours of sleep monitoring.

Key Findings and Results

  • Reduction in Scratch Events: Mean nightly scratch events decreased by 28%, from 45.6 to 32.8 events.
  • Reduction in Scratch Duration: The average per-hour scratch duration decreased by 50%, from 15.8 seconds to 7.9 seconds.
  • Sleep Quality: No significant changes were observed in total sleep opportunity.

  • User Experience: Most participants reported the device as comfortable and easy to use, expressing interest in further development.

Possible Mechanisms of Action

The AI-enabled wearable sensor may reduce scratching through two primary mechanisms:

  • Disrupting Automated Scratching: Many nocturnal scratching events occur subconsciously. Vibratory feedback may serve as a sensory disruption, preventing automatic scratching.
  • Providing Counter-Stimulation: The vibration may act as a mild alternative stimulus, reducing the need for scratching by providing sensory relief.

The AI-enabled wearable sensor with vibratory feedback represents a novel, non pharmacological approach to managing nocturnal scratching in atopic dermatitis. By leveraging artificial intelligence and haptic feedback, this device shows potential in improving sleep quality and reducing scratching behaviors. Continued research and refinement could pave the way for wider clinical applications, offering relief to individuals suffering from chronic pruritus.

Reference: Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Wearable Devices and Nocturnal Scratching in Mild Atopic Dermatitis
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/2830109
Naina_Bhargava

New HIPAA Guidelines Set to Improve Cybersecurity in Healthcare


Naina Bhargava, MPharm (Master of Pharmacy)
Content Writer, Medindia.net

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Office for Civil Rights (OCR), has introduced a proposed rule to update the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) Security Rule for the first time since 2013. The suggested changes would mandate health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and insurance companies to enhance cybersecurity safeguards for electronic protected health information (ePHI). These updates would affect most healthcare providers and their business associates.

“As legitimate ways to access PHI continue to evolve, so do the illegal methods,” said Hoala Greevy, founder and CEO of Paubox, a HIPAA-compliant communication and marketing company for healthcare organizations. “Therefore, the HHS OCR must also update its policies to protect lawful access to PHI while addressing unlawful activities.”

Rising Cybersecurity Threats in Healthcare

Cyberattacks are increasingly affecting the healthcare sector, with ransomware and hacking incidents on the rise. The number of patients impacted each year has surged dramatically. In 2023, over 167 million individuals were affected by major breaches, setting a new record. Since 2019, hacking-related breaches have increased by 89%, and ransomware attacks have risen by 102%.

New Mandates for Documentation and Policy Updates

The proposed rule aims to amend the HIPAA Security Rule, requiring health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, most healthcare providers, and their business associates to enhance protection of patients’ ePHI from both external and internal threats. It will provide clearer and more specific guidelines on what covered entities and their BAs must do to secure ePHI. The updates will mandate that policies and procedures be documented, regularly reviewed, tested, and updated.

“It’s time for an update to the HIPAA Security Rule,” said Greevy. “A bold and controversial step would be to issue a guideline advising against the use of the Windows operating system by business associates and covered entities. For instance, there have been no documented cases of successful ransomware attacks on covered entities and BAs using systems other than Windows.”

The proposed update brings several important changes to help covered entities reduce risk. “All implementation specifications will become mandatory, removing the current distinction between ‘required’ and ‘addressable’ specifications,” said Jade Davis, JD, a law partner at Hall Booth Smith in Tampa, Florida, specializing in data privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

Aligning Definitions and Specifications with Current Technologies

The proposed changes would mandate entities to keep detailed written documentation of all Security Rule policies, procedures, and analyses. “Definitions and specifications will be updated to align with current technologies and terminology. Entities will also be required to maintain and update a technology asset inventory and network map annually, or after significant changes,” said Davis.

Risk assessments will now require a detailed analysis of technology assets, threats, vulnerabilities, and risk levels. The proposed changes also stipulate that any changes to employee access to ePHI must be reported within 24 hours. Incident and contingency planning will require entities to create plans for restoring systems within 72 hours, conduct criticality assessments, and regularly test incident response procedures, Davis explained.

“These updates mark significant progress, but the healthcare industry should see them as part of an ongoing process, not a one-time fix,” she said. “Technological advancements and emerging risks demand constant adjustments to ensure strong protection of patient data.”

Certification of Compliance by Business Associates and Subcontractors

Entities will be required to perform annual audits to ensure compliance with the Security Rule. Davis noted that business associates and subcontractors must certify compliance with technical safeguard requirements every year. “Encryption of ePHI, both at rest and in transit, will be mandatory, with a few exceptions,” Davis said. “While HHS’s efforts are commendable, more needs to be done to foster a proactive cybersecurity culture in healthcare. This includes increasing funding for cybersecurity initiatives and encouraging collaboration between the public and private sectors.”

The current proposal enhances security requirements for technical safeguards. Entities will be required to conduct vulnerability scans every six months, perform annual penetration tests, and carry out yearly security checkups to ensure their effectiveness.

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad

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AI’s Surge in Healthcare: Time to Address Environmental Concerns

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Could Artificial Intelligence Prevent Stillbirths?

A new AI-driven model revealed previously unknown risk factor combinations associated with severe pregnancy complications, including stillbirth……….. Read More
Click here to Become a Member of Telemedicine Society of India

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines – A Foundation Course for RMPs by TSI Faculty

To know more about the Telemedicine Foundation Course click on the link below:
https://tsitn.org/tpg-course/

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter-January 2025

Click Here to Download PDF Version

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Ikramullah, TN TSI organized a landmark one-day seminar on January 10, 2025, at Islamiah Women’s College in Vaniyambadi. The seminar, aimed at enlightening 1,150 final-year students from biochemistry, biology, and computer science with AI subjects, introduced them to the transformative potential of telemedicine in healthcare. With a focus on improving healthcare delivery in underserved regions, the event highlighted how telemedicine can revolutionize access to medical services. The seminar featured a distinguished panel of experts from ophthalmology, cardiology, and AI-driven telemedicine, who shared invaluable insights under the theme “The Power of Telemedicine in Health Services.” Their thought-provoking presentations left an indelible impact on the students, inspiring them to be part of the healthcare transformation.

The Doctors for AI Group held the AI Global Summit on the Medsynapse platform, further cementing AI’s role in the healthcare revolution. The two-day summit, held on December 14 and 15, brought together over 1,000 participants, including 100+ faculty members and 30 international experts. Attendees engaged in 14 plenary sessions and 8 expert roundtable discussions, exploring the cutting-edge advancements in AI’s integration with healthcare. As Dr. Harvey Castro, a renowned AI Futurist & Healthcare Innovator, aptly noted, “The AI in Healthcare Global Summit 2024 was a groundbreaking platform, bringing together global leaders to discuss transformative AI solutions. The exchange of innovative ideas and networking opportunities underscored the event’s impact on the future of medicine.”

In another remarkable achievement, our esteemed EC member from Gujarat, Dr. Raj Rawal, was honored with an award by Gujarat’s Health Minister, Shri Rushikesh Patel, for his exceptional work in critical care, digital health, and TeleICU. This recognition highlights his dedication to advancing healthcare through digital innovation, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved accolade.

Dr. Umashankar, our dynamic secretary, has introduced a forward-thinking initiative for 2025: a calendar of events that will keep all members informed and engaged throughout the year. This initiative ensures that all members are reminded of upcoming events, fostering greater collaboration and participation in the group’s mission.

These milestones-whether through educational seminars, international summits, or organizational initiatives-showcase our collective commitment to advancing healthcare through technology, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
President-Elect, TSI
Dr-Ikram_200x250

Revolutionizing Healthcare: Islamiah Women’s College Hosts Successful Telemedicine Seminar

Dr. Ikramullah
President,
Tamil Nadu Chapter, Telemedicine Society of India

In a groundbreaking initiative, Islamiah Women’s College, Vaniyambadi, hosted a one-day Telemedicine seminar on January 10, 2025, which witnessed an overwhelming response from 1150 final-year students of biochemistry, biology, and computer science with AI subjects. The seminar aimed to enlighten students about the transformative power of Telemedicine in healthcare services.

The seminar featured an illustrious panel of subject experts in ophthalmology, cardiology, and Telemedicine with AI, who shared their invaluable insights on the topic “The Power of Telemedicine in Health Services.” The speakers’ presentations were met with a “jaw-dropping response” from both students and senior faculty members, who were captivated by the potential of Telemedicine to revolutionize healthcare.

The seminar’s highlight was an interactive panel discussion, anchored by Dr. Masood Ikram, proprietor of Melon AI. The discussion provided a platform for students, teachers, and speakers to engage in a thought-provoking exchange of ideas, exploring the vast possibilities of Telemedicine in improving healthcare outcomes.

The organizers expressed their gratitude to the college committee, participants, and speakers for making the event a resounding success. The speakers were honored with shawls, mementos, and cash renumeration to cover their conveyance expenses – a gesture that reflected the organizers’ appreciation for their contributions.

This seminar marked a significant milestone in promoting awareness about Telemedicine among the future generation of healthcare professionals. As the world grapples with the challenges of healthcare accessibility and affordability, initiatives like this seminar demonstrate the potential of Telemedicine to bridge the gap and create a more equitable healthcare ecosystem.

Jan25_image2
dr_pavithra

Global Health Rewind 2024: A Year of Surprises & Setbacks

Dr. Pavithra S
Assistant Editor, Medindia.net

“The greatest wealth is to be healthy.”

As the Roman poet Virgil eloquently stated, This timeless wisdom resonates profoundly as we reflect on the global health landscape of 2024. The year 2024 was a year full of challenges and opportunities in the sphere of worldwide public health. As the crisis unfolded at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic was stabilized and, to some extent, even eased, new and chronic threats appeared that required complex and versatile protection of the world’s health.

Navigating the Rising Tide of Health Challenges

Resurgence of Infectious Diseases: Last year, we saw a worrisome spike in infectious diseases, more so in communicable ones. Measles incidence increased across many countries because of reduced vaccine coverage linked to misperceptions about vaccines and vaccination. Similar, more preventable diseases were on the rise, such as pertussis and even polio. Immunization programs remained fragile across the world.

Looming Shadow of Antimicrobial Resistance: Communicable diseases remained highly dangerous, in particular the growth of microbes resistant to antibiotics and antifungal agents. Fewer options for controlling these infections increased the morbidity and mortality rates, leading to the development of more solutions to reduce the increasing trend in this social vice.

Climate Crisis: Another unrelenting force, climate change, remained on the rise, affecting human health in various ways. Many disasters took place, such as high temperatures, which affected the rates of developing heat illnesses, infectious diseases, and respiratory ailments.

Mental Health Crisis Deepens: There was a worsening of the global mental health situation characterized by a high incidence of anxiety, depression, and other related disorders. This speaks volumes about the need to improve provisions of mental health care, change or eliminate negative attitudes towards mental health care, and improve overall well-being.

Growing Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases: The level of incidence of diseases that are long-lasting and non-communicable, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer or diabetes, did not reduce but rather increased, especially in LMICs. Such diseases can be attributed to lifestyle factors such as inadequate nutrition, lack of exercise, and tobacco consumption.

Advancements and Opportunities in Healthcare in 2024

Technological Advancements Transforming Healthcare:

AI and machine learning had a significant impact in healthcare throughout the year, including in diagnostics, new drug development, and precision medicine. Digital health was enhanced to progress healthcare delivery, increasing the chances of healthcare services, especially among patients from remote areas with limited access to healthcare facilities.

Renewed Focus on Health Equity: The previous year was marked by a general focus on health inequalities and the need for equitable access to health for every population group irrespective of their status in terms of wealth, color, or where they lived in the world in 2024.

Strengthening Global Health Collaboration: Intergovernmental relations as well as cooperation and collaboration between and among various nations, organizations, and researchers continued to be essential in dealing with current complex issues in global health, including the preparedness for and response to pandemics.

Paving the Way Ahead for 2025

As we move into 2025, several key areas will require continued attention and strategic action:

    • Strengthening Primary Healthcare: There is no greater strategy than to develop and improve the quality of primary healthcare systems for the people, especially in certain regions of the world that are most needy.

    • Combating Vaccine Hesitancy: Overcoming misconceptions, increasing citizens’ confidence in vaccines, and increasing the availability of vaccines should be the key priorities for nations to sustain a high percentage of vaccination and prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

    • Integrating Climate Change Considerations: There is a need for a cross-sectional approach in tackling the heat effects of climate change, which encompasses the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, climate change adjustment, and enhancing the capacity of the health sector to manage climate-borne health perils.

    • Prioritizing Mental Health: Lowering stigmatization of mental disorders as well as offering easy access to mental health services and encouraging mental health will be paramount in meeting the increasing demands of mental health.

    • Addressing the NCD Epidemic: Measures for risk factor reduction, including tobacco use, encouraging healthy diets and expanding the availability of fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables, need to be put in place.

    • Expanding and Refining Telehealth: Like most innovations, more work has to be done to further extend high-quality telehealth services by overcoming the barriers associated with data privacy and availability to all populace.

 

Within the multifaceted and dynamic space of global health in 2024, we saw an important lesson on the connection between human, animal, and environmental health. As daunting as the year was, there were plenty of examples of people’s ability to sustain themselves, innovate, and come together. With some hard work, political will, and effort, the needed shift towards a cure-focused, communicative, and comprehensive prevention of diseases, and investment in public health care infrastructures will be attained to create a better future for generations to come.

Doctors AI Global Summit 2024 Special Edition: Wrap Up of a Landmark Event in the Global Med AI Landscape

On December 14 and 15, 2024, the Doctors AI Virtual Global Summit on AI in Healthcare was successfully conducted on the Medsynapse platform, marking a pivotal moment in the integration of AI into healthcare. This year, we welcomed over 1,000 attendees, including more than 100 esteemed faculty members and 30 international experts, across 14 plenary sessions and 8 expert roundtable discussions.

“The AI in Healthcare Global Summit 2024 was a groundbreaking platform, bringing together global leaders to discuss transformative AI solutions. The exchange of innovative ideas and networking opportunities truly underscored the event’s impact on the future of medicine.”

Harvey Castro, MD, AI Futurist & Healthcare Innovator

Key Highlights

Inspirational Keynotes: An exceptional lineup of keynote presentations defined the summit. Dr. Banshi Saboo set the stage with “The Transformative Power of AI in Healthcare: Current State and Future Directions.” Following this, Dr. Anuj Maheshwari presented “The Future of High Value Patient Care: AI’s Role in Shaping Healthcare Delivery.” Dr. Anthony Chang provided a critical examination of “Ethical Considerations in AI-Driven Healthcare: Balancing Innovation with Responsibility”. Dr. William Brinson Weeks offered insights into “AI for Good: Responsible Explainable AI towards Equitable Health for All.” Dr. Peter Schwarz discussed innovative approaches in “Effective Diabetes Care in the Pocket of Every Individual Using Artificial Intelligence.” Dr. Shasank Joshi’s address, “AI in Healthcare for India: Where Do We Stand?” resonated deeply, inspiring attendees to envision the transformative potential of AI in regional and global healthcare contexts. Dr. Piyush Mathur discussed “Evaluation and Validation of Large Language Models (LLMs) for Use in Healthcare.” Finally, Dr. Robert Hoyt concluded the keynotes with “Harnessing AI for Data Science and Medical Research.”

Engaging Panels and Plenary Sessions: With topics ranging from AI ethics to the integration of AI into precision medicine, these discussions promoted rich interdisciplinary collaboration and set the stage for actionable solutions to some of healthcare’s most pressing challenges.

Oral Presentation Competition: The Oral Presentation Competition was a highlight of the summit, judged by an esteemed panel consisting of Dr. Shambo S. Samajdar, Dr. Alok Modi, Dr. Atul Tiwari, Dr. Shelly Sharma, and Maj (Dr.) Ashlesha Tawde Kelkar. Congratulations to Dr. Prahlada H N, who clinched the first prize with their innovative AI-based model predicting outcomes of Cochlear Implantation.

A Reflection on the AI in Healthcare Global Summit

The AI in Healthcare Global Summit, organized by Doctor’s AI, was a groundbreaking event that showcased innovative ideas, cutting-edge advancements, and pioneering research shaping the future of healthcare. As both an attendee and participant, I am honored to share my experiences from this transformative gathering, where I earned first place in the oral research presentations.

From the outset, the summit radiated excellence, uniting visionary leaders, researchers, and professionals committed to integrating AI into healthcare. Led by founding members—Dr. Amit Kumar Dey, Dr. Avneesh Khare, Dr. Alok Modi, and Dr. Bharat Saboo- the event provided an exceptional platform for collaboration and learning, reflecting their vision and dedication to innovation.

Program Highlights

The summit’s diverse topics covered critical areas like AI in public health, medical subspecialties, and drug discovery. Among the standout sessions:

Drug Discovery and Development with AI: This session, in collaboration with the Indian Pharmacological Society, explored the transformative role of AI in pharmaceuticals. Esteemed speakers like Dr. Prafull Mohan, Santosh Dixit, and David A. Hall highlighted how AI is streamlining drug discovery, optimizing clinical trials, and enabling personalized medicine.

Oral Research

Presentation Awards: A summit highlight, these presentations celebrated innovation and research. I was thrilled to win first prize for my work on AI models predicting cochlear implantation outcomes in inner anomalies. The competition, expertly coordinated by Dr. Atul Tiwari and Dr. Alok Modi, was enriching for all participants.

DAI and the Future of Healthcare: The closing session, featuring speakers like Benny Esparra and Dr. Om J. Lakhani, highlighted the vast potential of AI in healthcare systems, laboratory medicine, and physician entrepreneurship.

The Human Element

What set this summit apart was its focus on the human mission behind AI in healthcare. From Dr. Robert Hoyt’s insights on AI in research to Dr. Dipu Patel’s reflections on Doctor’s AI’s journey, the summit emphasized that AI is not just about technology—it’s about saving lives, improving care, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare.

Gratitude and Vision

I extend my gratitude to rapporteurs like Shambo Samrat Samajdar, Major Dr. Ashlesha Tawde Kelkar for skillful moderation, and Anirudh Gangadharan for amplifying the event’s impact.

Congratulations to the founding members of Doctor’s AI for creating such a powerful platform. This summit has left me inspired to further the field, ensuring AI transforms lives and bridges global healthcare gaps.

Gratitude and Vision

I extend my gratitude to rapporteurs like Shambo Samrat Samajdar, Major Dr. Ashlesha Tawde Kelkar for skillful moderation, and Anirudh Gangadharan for amplifying the event’s impact.

Congratulations to the founding members of Doctor’s AI for creating such a powerful platform. This summit has left me inspired to further the field, ensuring AI transforms lives and bridges global healthcare gaps.

– Dr. Prahlada N.B

MBBS (JJMMC), MS (PGIMER, Chandigarh), MBA in Hospital & Healthcare Management (BITS, Pilani), Postgraduate Certificate in Technology Leadership and Innovation (MIT, USA), Executive Programme in Strategic Management (IIM, Lucknow), Senior Management Programme in Healthcare Management (IIM, Kozhikode), Advanced Certificate in AI for Digital Health and Imaging Program (IISc, Bengaluru).

Senior Professor, and former Head, Department of ENT-Head & Neck Surgery, Skull Base Surgery, Cochlear Implant Surgery. Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India. Hon. Secretary, IMA, Chitradurga.

"A transformative experience that illuminated the profound potential of AI in modern medicine." - Muba Sherin, 4th year Medical Student

Acknowledgment

On behalf of Dr. S. V. Kulkarni (Patron), Dr. Amit Kumar Dey (Founder Chair), Dr. Avneesh Khare (Founder Member), Dr. Alok Modi (Founder Member), and Dr. Bharat Saboo (Founder Member), we extend our profound gratitude to the distinguished speakers, panelists, moderators, sponsors, participants, organizing and scientific committee members, and other invaluable contributors whose collective efforts shaped this summit into a landmark event.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our team of rapporteurs, including Dr. Shelly Sharma, Dr. Rahul Mohpari, Dr. Shambho Samrat Samajdar, Dr. Sanjay Bala, Dr. Ashmita Mazumdar, Dr. Aishwarya Sharma, Dr. Karan Chawla, Siddharth Narayan, Amey Olwallwar, Aman Kumar, Tanu Motwani and Anirudh Gangadharan.

Our heartfelt thanks go to all our collaborators, whose steadfast support was integral to the summit’s success…Read More

::Awards::

Dr. Raj Rawal has received award from Gujarat Health Minister Shri Rushikesh Patel, in presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel and IMA President elect Shri Dr. Anilbhai Naik in recognition for excellent work in CRITICAL CARE, DIGITAL HEALTH and TELEICU.

::ANNOUNCEMENTS::

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad


Artificial Intelligence Can Double Human Lifespan

Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, shared his bold vision at the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland…….. Read More


AI-Powered Jaundice Detector

Infants need to be screened for neonatal jaundice (NNJ) during the first two to three weeks of life. This process often requires frequent clinic visits……….. Read More


Telemedicine and Health Insurance: Transforming Healthcare Access

Telemedicine enhances healthcare access and cost-effectiveness. Insurance covers teleconsultations but faces regulatory and technological challenges…….. Read More


Rising Demand for Telehealth Abortion Services

Study highlights the growing reliance on telehealth and mail for medication abortions, ensuring access for individuals living in restricted or distant areas……….. Read More
Click here to Become a Member of Telemedicine Society of India

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines – A Foundation Course for RMPs by TSI Faculty

To know more about the Telemedicine Foundation Course click on the link below:
https://tsitn.org/tpg-course/

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter-December 2024

Click Here to Download PDF Version

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

Telemedicon2024: A Resounding Success in Advancing Digital Healthcare

As the curtains closed on Telemedicon2024 last month, the global telemedicine and digital health community celebrated yet another milestone in redefining healthcare delivery. Held at PGI, Chandigarh, the event brought together innovators, and practitioners to discuss, collaborate, and shape the future of digital healthcare.

This year’s event set new benchmarks in participation and engagement as there were almost half a dozen workshops workshop and for the first time Nursing and AYUSH workshops sections were included and these attracted many participants.

Key Takeaways from Telemedicon2024

    • Trailblazing Keynotes: Esteemed speakers from around the country delivered impactful addresses on topics ranging from AI-driven healthcare solutions to the ethics of telemedicine. Their insights highlighted the immense potential of technology to bridge healthcare gaps while addressing challenges in accessibility and equity.

    • Dynamic Workshops: Attendees gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and technologies, such as AI-in healthcare, remote monitoring devices, and digital therapeutics.

    • Collaborative Panel Discussions: Policy and industry experts debated pressing issues, including regulatory frameworks, data security, and the integration of digital health into traditional healthcare systems, paving the way for cohesive progress.

    • Technological Showcase: The exhibition hall buzzed with excitement as startups and established companies unveiled the latest in healthcare technology, from wearable health monitors to blockchain applications for secure patient records.

A Platform for Global Networking

Telemedicon2024 was more than a conference; it was a meeting of minds. Almost 300 delegates from all over the country shared ideas, formed partnerships, and committed to driving innovation in healthcare. The event fostered an environment of collaboration that transcended borders and disciplines.

General Body Meeting

The general body was attended by almost 60 members and many issues were discussed. Dr.Murthy Remilla was elected as Vice president of the society.

The Road Ahead

As we look forward to Telemedicon2025 to be held at Bangalore, the momentum generated at this year’s event will serve as a foundation for further progress, ensuring that digital health remains a cornerstone of global healthcare transformation.

This December issue is dedicated to TELEMEDICON2024.

Wish our members a Happy New Year!

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
President-Elect, TSI
Amit_Agarwal

TELEMEDICON 2024: PGIMER Chandigarh

Dr. Amit Agarwal, PhD, FAAI
Project Lead
Regional Resource Centre (North)
Department of Telemedicine
MoHFW, Government of India
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, INDIA

1. Title and Date of the Conference: 20th International Conference of Telemedicine Society of India (TSI) TELEMEDICON 2024. (28th to 30th November, 2024)

2. Introduction and Objectives: Welcome to TELEMEDICON, 2024 the premier conference dedicated to advancing telemedicine and digital health innovations! In a world where technology is transforming healthcare delivery, TELEMEDICON serves as a vital platform to bring together visionaries, healthcare professionals, technologists, policymakers, and innovators. This event is designed to explore cutting-edge advancements, foster collaboration, and discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of telemedicine. This year’s conference, themed “Virtual Healthcare and the Role of AI.

3. Venue, Chief Guest and Organizers:

The TELEMEDICON conference held at the prestigious Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, utilizing its state-of-the-art facilities. The sessions will take place across three key venues: Bhargava Auditorium (Hall A), Lecture Theatre 1 (Hall B), and Lecture Theatre 2 (Hall C), providing an ideal setting for immersive discussions and networking.

The Chief Guest and Guest of honour for Telemedicon 2024 were:

A) Chief Guest: Shri Madhukar Kumar Bhagat (Joint Secretary, e- Health Division, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India.

B) Guest of Honour: Dr KK Talwar (Ex Director PGI Chandigarh and Chairman PSRI Hospital, New Delhi)

The event was organized under the esteemed leadership of:

Chairperson: Prof. Biman Saikia

Organizing Secretary: Prof. Uma Nahar Saikia

Co-organizing Secretary cum Treasurer: Dr. Amit Agarwal

Their dedication and expertise ensure a well-curated platform to explore and advance the frontiers of telemedicine and digital health.

4. Conference Agenda

• Keynote Speeches:
a) Dr Meenu Singh: Evolution of telemedicine (International & India)
b) Dr Alok Modi: Steps involved in design and development including ethical issues in AI
c) Dr Kim R: Presidential oration

• Panel Discussions:
a) Tele-pathology Unplugged: Next Gen Diagnostics and AI Convergence
b) Tele-Technology in Facilitating Organ Transplant
c) AI for Diabetic Retinopathy

• Workshops:
A) Wadhwani AI: AI readiness
B) Telemedicine & Digital Health for AYUSH doctors
C) Tele-ICU
D) Digital Data & technology in Nursing

5. Oral/Poster Sessions: The event featured a total of 12 award papers, 11 free papers, and 27 posters, showcasing significant advancements and research. There were three Best Oral Paper Awards and three Best Poster Awards.

6. Credit Hours Announcement for TELEMEDICON 2024:

We are pleased to announce that TELEMEDICON 2024 was accredited with 11 PMC Credit Hours for participating medical professionals. Additionally, nurses attending the conference earned 5 Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) hours, with each hour equivalent to 1 CNE credit.

This accreditation underscores the high educational value of TELEMEDICON 2024, offering participants the opportunity to enhance their professional knowledge and skills while earning valuable continuing education credits.

7. Major Highlights :

Advancing Virtual Healthcare and AI at PGIMER, Chandigarh (28th & 29th November, 2024)

Dr. Biman Saikia, chairperson, inaugurated the first session on AI in Healthcare. Renowned urologist Dr. Sunil Shroff delivered an enlightening talk on intelligent medicine: how AI is shaping the future of healthcare, followed by Dr. Alok Modi, who discussed the ethical dimensions and challenges posed by AI in healthcare, and Dr. Kim R., who elaborated on AI applications in ophthalmology, especially in diabetic retinopathy.

A plenary session on the trajectory of telemedicine by Dr. Meenu Singh emphasized the rapid evolution of telemedicine, chaired by Dr. K. K. Talwar, Ex-Director, PGIMER, Chandigarh, and Dr. Prem Nair, Director, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. Further sessions explored telemedicine in health promotion, prevention, and lifestyle management. Dr. Shriram V. Kulkarni from Mumbai shared insights into leveraging AI accessibility in underserved regions.

The Tele-Ophthalmology Society of India (TOSI) session included talks by Dr. T. Senthil on business models for tele-ophthalmology and innovative methods for early detection of diseases by Dr. B. N. R. Subudhi. The day also featured a session on telemedicine for elder care by Dr. Rajeev Agarwal and Dr. Thanga Prabhu. Parallel sessions on tele-dermatopathology and tele-yoga provided further depth, along with a dedicated workshop on AI readiness by Wadhwani AI.

The inaugural ceremony, held in the evening, was presided over by Shri Madhukar Kumar Bhagat, Joint Secretary, E-Health Section, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, with Prof. K. K. Talwar and Prof. R. K. Ratho, Dean of Academics, PGIMER, Chandigarh, as Guests of Honour.

The second day commenced with a workshop on setting up a virtual practice, and sessions addressing legal, ethical, and regulatory considerations in telemedicine, use of personal data in healthcare, data privacy and ethics in healthcare, and an assessment of Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (TPG) by Dr. Ashvini Goel.

A presidential oration by Dr. Kim R. and a session on tele-education and AR/VR in health education, highlighted the role of technology in medical learning. The plenary session on space medicine showcased presentations by Dr. D. K. Singh, Jayakumar Venkateshan and Dr. Murthy Remilla from ISRO, emphasizing importance of healthcare in space. Afternoon sessions focused on telemedicine’s impact on rural health and tele-palliative care.

In addition, telemedicine in childhood health, AI in medical devices and AI applications in emergency care were discussed. Many free papers and award-winning papers were presented by young professionals. This was followed by a panel discussion on tele-pathology unplugged – nextgen diagnostics & AI convergence, brought together by an expert panel. The concluding session, tele-technology in facilitating organ transplant featured utility of telemedicine in donor/recipient coordination. A special workshop on telemedicine & digital health for AYUSH doctors was chaired by Dr. Nipun Jindal, IAS, sharing his expertise.

The 20th International Conference of TSI, TELEMEDICON 2024, continues to serve as a collaborative platform for healthcare and IT professionals, emphasizing the transformative role of AI and telemedicine in global healthcare. The event will conclude on November 30, 2024.

Concluding day of Telemedicon 2024: Showcasing Innovation and Technology in Telemedicine (30th November, 2024)

The final day of Telemedicon 2024 held at PGIMER, Chandigarh concluded on a high note, showcasing the transformative potential of technology in healthcare. The highlights ranged from thought-provoking sessions to workshops addressing innovations in telemedicine, AI and digital health. The day began with an engaging session on Technology as a Disruptor in Critical Care by Dr. Mandar Vaidya. A dedicated session on Tele-ICU systems was held, with focus on adoption of tele-ICU technologies to address challenges in resource-constrained environments. Sessions on AI Literacy for Clinicians and Inclusive and Responsible AI for Mental Health were also held.

A parallel workshop on Digital Data and Technology in Nursing was organized by the National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE), PGIMER, Chandigarh under the leadership of principal Dr. Sukhpal Kaur, which was attended by more than 200 delegates. The session began with inauguration by the medical superintendent Dr. Vipin Kaushal, with Lt. Col. Dr. Sarabjeet Kaur from Indian Nursing Council as guest of honour, awarding 5 credit hours for the workshop. Integration of digital tools in nursing, importance of documentation and potential of mobile health applications and AI for patient care were discussed.

The event culminated in the valedictory session, graced by esteemed chief guest Shri Hanumanta Rayappa, Director, ISRO. He emphasized the synergy between space technology and telemedicine, highlighting ISRO’s pivotal contributions to expanding healthcare access in India. The session was followed by the award ceremony, recognizing 3 best oral and poster presentations by Gaurang Baxi, Dr. Hima K Bindu, Dr. Brijdeep Singh, Dr. Jatinder Kumar and Ankita Kumar. The chairperson of Telemedicon 2024 Dr. Biman Saikia, presented the conference report, consisting of more than 500 registrations including conference and workshops, 38 sessions with 5 dedicated workshops, and the award of 11 CME credit hours by Punjab Medical Council. The medallion between outgoing TSI president Dr. Kim R and incoming president Dr. Prem Nair were exchanged. The Secretary TSI announced Bangalore as next year’s venue for the conference, and concluding remarks were given by organizing secretaries Dr. Uma Nahar and Dr. Amit Agarwal, extending thanks to everyone, including the organizing team, especially Dr. Richa, Mrs. Maanvi, Dr. Arun and Mr. Nainesh for their support in conducting a successful conference.

Telemedicon 2024, through its diverse sessions and expert-led discussions, has reaffirmed its position as a leading platform for fostering innovation in telemedicine. By bridging the gap between technology and healthcare, the conference sets the stage for a future where healthcare is not only accessible but also equitable for all.

8. Speakers, Chairpersons and Participants:

TELEMEDICON 2024 brought together a vibrant community of 466 participants, reflecting the diverse interests in telemedicine and digital health. This included 179 conference participants, along with specialized workshops that attracted 35 participants for AI, 40 for AYUSH, and 212 for Nursing.

The conference featured an impressive lineup of 65 distinguished speakers, who shared their expertise and insights across various sessions. Additionally, 74 chairpersons skill fully moderated discussions, ensuring an engaging and thought-provoking exchange of ideas.

Together, this dynamic gathering of thought leaders, professionals, and learners created an enriching platform for collaboration and innovation in healthcare.

9. Technologies/Trends Highlighted: Tech Eagle Innovations Pvt. Ltd. demonstrated cutting-edge drone technology, highlighting its potential in revolutionizing healthcare logistics. Their innovative solutions focus on enabling fast and efficient delivery of medical supplies, vaccines, and emergency equipment to remote and underserved areas. The showcase emphasized the role of drones in enhancing accessibility, reducing response times, and improving healthcare outcomes through advanced automation and precision.

10. Recommendations and Next Steps: With the conclusion of this year’s TELEMEDICON 2024, recommendation was made in GBM to conduct TELEMEDICON 2025 next year at Bangalore by TSI members. Voting was conducted in GBM by TSI members for electing vice president TSI and Dr Murthy Remilla was elected as vice president of TSI

Conference photographs

Inaugural Ceremony
Drone Technology Showcasing
Dr Prem Nair Elected as National TSI President
Group Photograph
Dr. Umashankar S. Hony. Secretary

Annual General Body Meeting – Telemedicine Society of India (TSI)

Prof. (Dr) Umashankar S.
Managing Director Med.Bot | Honorary Secretary, Telemedicine Society of India

The 20th Annual Conference of the Telemedicine Society of India (TSI) took place at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, from 28th to 30th November 2024. A key event of the conference was the 20th Annual General Body Meeting (AGBM), held on 29th November 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, during Telemedicon 2024 at Bhargava Auditorium. The AGM was conducted in a hybrid format, enabling participation both in person and online.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks by the President, who highlighted TSI’s achievements over the past year and presented the society’s vision for future growth. The minutes of the 2023 AGM and the Auditor’s Report for the financial year 2022-2023 were reviewed and unanimously approved by the members.

A detailed discussion followed, focusing on key agenda items, including TSI’s growth trajectory and a comprehensive review of the society’s initiatives, encapsulated in the TSI 20 Points (T 20). The Honorary Secretary presented a thorough report summarizing the society’s accomplishments, challenges, and ongoing initiatives. This was followed by a presentation from the Treasurer, who shared the audit reports and outlined the financial plan for the upcoming year. Members commended the society’s progress, approved the activities, and contributed valuable suggestions for further advancement.

One of the highlights of the AGM was the election for the position of Vice President. The election was conducted via ballot, with manual vote counting carried out immediately in the presence of all attendees. Dr. Remilla Murthy was declared the winner, securing the highest number of votes and earning widespread congratulations.

The meeting concluded with the Honorary Secretary expressing gratitude to all members for their active participation and contributions. The President delivered closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in advancing telemedicine in India. The AGM ended on a positive note, marking another successful milestone in TSI’s journey.

TELEMEDICON 2024 - Award Winning Abstracts

Advancing Telepathology: Experience from a Tertiary Care Centre of Excellence

Brijdeep Singh*, Uma Nahar Saikia, Harpreet Kaur, Biman Saikia, Amit Agarwal, Nainesh Joshi

Department of Telepathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh

brijdeep@gmail.com

Aims and Objectives: To assess the implementation of Telepathology services at PGIMER-Centre of Excellence for Telepathology, Department of Telemedicine, launched on November 1st, 2023.

The study outlines the methodology, case diversity, platforms used, and the impact on diagnostic efficiency and accessibility.

Methodology: Telepathology services are delivered through three platforms: email submissions, the GOI’s e-Sanjeevani portal, and Onward Assist Telereporting system, a private enterprise specializing in Telepathology and AI solutions. These services offered free during a One year trial period, receive cases from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and New Delhi. Referring pathologists submit photomicrographs, videos, along with detailed requisition forms. A Telepathology (TP) number is assigned after verifying image quality. The targeted turnaround time is 24-48 hours post-assignment of the TP number. A digital report is generated for each case.

Results: A total of 380 Telepathology consultations have been conducted, with 285 cases (75%) from private hospitals and 95 cases (25%) from government institutions. The subspecialties covered include Ocular Pathology (102/380), Head and neck pathology (56/380), Dermatopathology (55/380), Gastrointestinal Pathology (41/380), Gyanepathology (21/380), Pulmonary Pathology (16/380), Neuropathology (13/380), Musculoskeletal Pathology (12/380) Genitourinary Pathology (10/380), Breast Pathology 10/380), Cytopathology (33/380) and others. 12 cases were initially deemed unsatisfactory due to poor image quality but were later reported upon receiving better images. Comprehensive diagnoses were rendered in 90% (340) of cases, while 10% (40) required descriptive reports due to insufficient diagnostic material or inadequate information.

Conclusion: Telepathology is a transformative tool in digital pathology, enabling expert opinions across wide geographic regions, reducing turnaround time, and facilitating remote teaching and training. It significantly enhances diagnostic accuracy, improves clinical management, and contributes to better healthcare outcomes.

*************************************************

Revolutionizing Home Healthcare: Smartphone -Based Video-Electroencephalography for Neurological Disorders

A Kumar* , A Kadambi

Director – Mocxa Health Private Limited

ankita.kumar@gmail.com

Aim: Despite the established advantages of home-based long-term Electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, with studies demonstrating a 72% sensitivity compared to only 11% for routine EEGs in detecting abnormalities (Hernandez-Ronquillo et al., 2023; Beckerman et al., 2013), there is no availability of home based monitoring in India. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel smartphone-based video EEG system for conducting home EEG procedures in India.

Methods: Twenty patients were referred for home EEG monitoring by neurologists in Bengaluru. Qualified EEG technologists performed the setup including electrode placement at patients’ homes. They also remotely monitored EEG quality during the procedure and collected data upon completion. A qualified epileptologist remotely reviewed and interpreted the EEG data and provided the final diagnosis and recommendations.

Results: The smartphone-based system proved highly feasible, with patients successfully undergoing procedures in the comfort of their homes. The system’s user-friendliness and convenience reduced the need for frequent in-clinic visits.Key benefits of home EEG monitoring include improved access to neurological care, early detection of seizures or other neurological events, and reduced healthcare costs.

Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of smartphone-based video EEG systems to revolutionize neurological care in India by enhancing patient outcomes and improving efficiency.

*************************************************

Improving Thyroid Nodule Evaluation Using Deep Learning and Ultrasound Imaging

Jatinder Kumar*, Devi Dayal

PGIMER, Chandigarh

kumar.jatinder@pgimer.edu.in

Introduction: The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces hormones essential for regulating various metabolic processes. Common thyroid conditions include thyroid nodules abnormal growths or lumps within the thyroid as well as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Methods– Thyroid ultrasonography (USG) imaging is widely used to detect and categorize thyroid abnormalities, which can significantly impact metabolism and overall health. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), especially deep learning (DL), have enabled the identification and analysis of patterns in clinical images due to DL’s ability to extract hierarchical feature representations from images without the need for annotated data. Accurate identification of malignant thyroid nodules, distinguishing them from benign ones, is crucial in reducing unnecessary fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedures. This study presents a technique for thyroid nodule detection in USG images using DL for feature extraction. Two pre-trained DL models ResNet-18 and VGG-19 were fine-tuned for classifying thyroid USG images. Both models were trained and tested on the Digital Database of Thyroid Ultrasound Images (DDTI), a gold standard dataset.

Results showed classification accuracies of 97.13% for ResNet-18 and 90.31% for VGG-19, with ResNet-18 demonstrating superior performance in classification accuracy over VGG-19.

*************************************************

Tele-Ocular Pathology: Evaluating Remote Diagnostic Accuracy through Email Submissions

Brijdeep Singh*, Uma Nahar Saikia, Arpan Gandhi, Nainesh Joshi, Biman Saikia

Department of Telemedicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh

brijdeep@gmail.com

Aims and Objectives– This study evaluates the effectiveness and diagnostic concordance of ocular pathology cases from over 400 telepathology referrals received at PGIMER, Chandigarh’s Centre of Excellence in Telepathology at the Regional Resource Centre (North). The study highlights how email-based telepathology supports rapid, high-quality diagnostics, enhancing patient convenience and clinical decision-making.

Methodology– A retrospective analysis of 104 ocular pathology cases reviewed from November 1st 2023 to October 31st 2024, was conducted. The workflow included an initial assessment of image quality for photomicrographs, clinical images, and videos for quality and reportability, with follow-ups as needed for optimization. Each case was assigned a TP number and categorized by diagnostic parameters to establish concordance between the provisional diagnosis of the referring pathologist and the final telepathology report. Ancillary tests such as special stains and immunohistochemistry (IHC), were recommended, as required, to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Results– Among the 104 ocular telepathology cases analysed, 67 (64.4%) were neoplastic (36 malignant, 31 benign) and 37 (35.6%) were non-neoplastic. Topographic distribution included 32 eyelid, 29 conjunctiva, 13 enucleation, 13 orbit, 8 lacrimal gland, and 8 other cases. Concordance between the provisional and final diagnoses was achieved in 79.8% of cases, underscoring the reliability of this model. Static images sometimes proved limited, particularly in enucleation cases, where video submissions provided crucial diagnostic context. On average, each case included 7.4 photomicrographs, 1.8 clinical images, and 1.65 videos. Recommendations for ancillary tests were provided selectively. The model achieved an average turnaround of 12-18 hours, providing significant time and cost savings for patients and aiding therapeutic decision making.

Conclusion– Email-based ocular telepathology presents a robust and efficient model for remote diagnostics, delivering high diagnostic concordance and substantial patient benefits. This framework establishes a standard for image quality and reporting formats, ensuring high-quality diagnostic support across remote and underserved areas.

*************************************************

Serious Games in Healthcare: A New Frontier for Indian Healthcare Innovation

Gaurang Baxi*, Kamakshi Baxi

Game Designer Volunteer, Friends N Smile Foundation

baxigaurang@outlook.com

Serious games, designed with the purpose of addressing real-world issues through interactive gameplay, incorporate educational, therapeutic, and motivational elements to positively impact health behaviors and encourage healthy lifestyles. In the context of healthcare, serious games offer a unique opportunity to revolutionize the sector by making health-related tasks both engaging and educational. With India’s rapidly expanding digital reach and gaming industry, the healthcare sector presents fertile ground for serious games. Serious games in healthcare have been applied previously in various clinical trials as an intervention, where they were proved to be effective in a variety of diseases such as cancer, asthma and mental health disorders. However, challenges persist, including the need for culturally sensitive design and the active involvement of healthcare professionals in development, which is crucial for ensuring credibility and effectiveness. In India, serious games face additional hurdles such as regional diversity and cultural norms. Nevertheless, the potential for growth is significant, with India poised to become a leading hub for digital health games, spurred by increased internet access, the advent of 5G, and evolving consumer behaviors. The Indian government’s support for the gaming industry, including 100% foreign direct investment, further bolsters growth prospects. To fully leverage the potential of serious games in Indian healthcare, strategies must be culturally relevant and socially acceptable to ensure their impact. With thoughtful implementation and increased collaboration between the healthcare and gaming industries, serious games can help with improving level of knowledge, changing behaviours, improving motor skills and managing emotions.

*************************************************

The first survey on nurses knowledge attitude and practice on connected care monitoring in wards

K Hima Bindu*, Sai Praveen Haranath, Manohar Prasad, Ananthalakshmi

Apollo Hospitals, Jubliee Hills, Hyderabad

himabindukotamarthy@gmail.com

Introduction: Enhanced Connected Care (ECC) is transforming healthcare by integrating technology to advance patient monitoring and safety. Through continuous tracking of vital signs—heart rate, blood pressure, Saturation, temperature, and respiratory rate—medical devices transmit data to a nursing station dashboard, enabling prompt nurse response. Nurses play a vital role in detecting early signs of patient deterioration, making their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) critical to ECC’s success and effective patient care.

Aim of the Study: To evaluate confidence in using ECC technologies, time savings, perceived benefits and challenges, and the need for further training.

Results: The study surveyed 125 participants involved in ECC care, with 61% rating their confidence as 10/10 in using ECC technologies. Younger nurses (18-34 years) showed higher confidence, and increased nursing experience was significantly correlated with higher confidence. ECC monitoring saved 5-10 minutes per shift for 47.2% of respondents, with more than 10 minutes saved mostly during night shifts. A significant correlation was found between knowledge and confidence (p=0.009).

Discussion: Lower confidence levels among nurses aged 35-44 indicate a need for targeted support through workshops or additional training to enhance their comfort with ECC technology. The positive link between knowledge and confidence suggests that regular training could enhance nurses’ proficiency with ECC tools. Greater time savings were noted during night shifts, aligning with the increased need for continuous monitoring during non-peak hours. Alarm fatigue was reported by 42% of ECC-using staff.

Conclusion: This study shows ECC technology’s broad use and perceived benefits in improving patient outcomes. Nurses view ECC as a valuable tool that saves time, allowing for more direct patient care rather than manual vitals recording. Nonetheless, challenges remain. Targeted workshops, support teams, and improved resources could further support ECC integration in healthcare practice.

Tech Humor

Tell me a witty response in one line for the following question. “Why did the AI become a radiologist?”

Because it could not read between the lines – even if they were X-rays!

Why did the AI become an orthopedic surgeon?

Because it had a knack for breaking it down and putting it back together!

Why did the AI become an obstetrician?

Because it was great at delivering results!

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad

AI Chatbots Show Signs of Cognitive Decline

A study reveals that nearly all leading large language models, or “chatbots,” display signs of mild cognitive impairment in tests designed…….. Read More

Telehealth in Sleep Medicine: A Critical Step Toward Improved Patient Care

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advocates for permanent telehealth coverage to improve access, safety, and patient outcomes for individuals with sleep disorders……….. Read More

AI Breakthrough: Blood Test Detects Earliest Signs of Breast Cancer

A groundbreaking screening method that merges laser analysis with a form of AI has been identified as the first of its kind to detect patients……. Read More

Decoding Life: Evo’s AI Revolution in Genetic Engineering

Evo, an innovative AI model developed to generate genetic code, promises to transform bioengineering by advancing drug design………. Read More
Click here to Become a Member of Telemedicine Society of India

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines – A Foundation Course for RMPs by TSI Faculty

To know more about the Telemedicine Foundation Course click on the link below:
https://tsitn.org/tpg-course/

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter November 2024

Click Here to Download PDF Version

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

This is the 51st Issue of Our Newsletter!

Reaching 50 issues over the past four years, without a single interruption, has been a truly gratifying journey. I hope other TSI members will now be inspired to take the baton forward and continue building on this tradition.

From November 28th to 30th, we’re excited to host our national conference, TELEMEDICON 2024, at PGIMER Chandigarh. After two intense months of planning and finalizing details, the program is now ready, and we look forward to an insightful gathering of leaders and innovators in virtual healthcare and AI.

This issue also highlights the Global Health Summit, led by our dynamic TSI member Dr. Rajendra Gupta and his dedicated team. Several of us attended this mega event, which took place at the Jio Convention Centre in Mumbai.

Included in this issue is the complete program for TELEMEDICON 2024. We encourage you to review it to plan your travel and sessions of interest. We look forward to welcoming you to Chandigarh for this enriching event!

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
Vice President, TSI

TELEMEDICON 2024 Program Overview

The 20th International Conference of the Telemedicine Society of India (TSI), themed “Virtual Healthcare and Role of AI,” will be held from November 28th to 30th, 2024, at the PGIMER Chandigarh. The conference will explore the transformative potential of AI and digital health in enhancing healthcare delivery, featuring a wide array of sessions, workshops, and plenaries.

Day 1: November 28, 2024 The conference begins with a session on “AI in Healthcare,” including topics like design, ethical considerations, and practical AI applications in healthcare content creation and prompt framing. The day continues with a plenary on the evolution of telemedicine globally and within India, followed by sessions covering the growth of telemedicine in fields like AYUSH, lifestyle management, and cancer care. Tele-ophthalmology and geriatric care are also discussed, emphasizing how digital tools can improve chronic disease management and elder care. The day concludes with an awards presentation and an inauguration ceremony, followed by a cultural program and dinner.

Hall B: Sessions focus on Ayush and Tele-Yoga, covering wellness trends, clinical trials, and national guidelines. Later, a session on AI in Tele-Dermatology and Tele-Rehabilitation will provide insights into advanced dermatological care and rehabilitation.

Hall C: A workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare introduces participants to foundational AI concepts, data processing, and emerging healthcare technologies.

Day 2: November 29, 2024 Day two highlights virtual practice through workshops on digital therapeutics, tele-consultation skills, and regulatory considerations. A session on ethical and legal issues in healthcare data management emphasizes privacy and protection. Various plenary sessions focus on tele-education, using AR/VR for medical training, and space medicine applications. The day also includes discussions on rural telemedicine and palliative care, followed by a panel on AI’s role in diabetic retinopathy and endocrinology. A gala dinner rounds off the day’s events.

Hall B: This day emphasizes AI in healthcare with sessions on AI in Medical Devices and AI in the ER. Other highlights include case studies from the National Health Mission, discussions on tele-pathology, and panel sessions on organ transplant technology.

Day 3: November 30, 2024 The final day covers critical care technologies and workshops on tele-ICU innovations. Presentations address AI’s applications in public health, especially in rural areas, mass gatherings, and emergency responses. The conference will also focus on AI’s role in mental health, sharing global insights with applications in India. Further sessions spotlight the e-Sanjeevani telehealth platform under Ayushmaan Bharat, technical standards for telemedicine, and India’s Health Stack. The day concludes with a valedictory function celebrating achievements in telemedicine.

Hall B: Nursing and telehealth are central, with a workshop covering digital health tools, legal frameworks, and mobile health apps for nursing. Advanced nursing practices are addressed through sessions on VR, AR, and AI applications in nursing education.

In sum, TELEMEDICON 2024 promises a comprehensive exploration of telemedicine, showcasing cutting-edge AI innovations and digital health practices tailored to various healthcare domains.
Rajendra_Pratap

Global Digital Health Summit, Expo & Innovation Awards 2024

Dr. Rajendra Pratap Gupta
Chairman, Global Digital Health Summit

  • Date: 4th & 5th October 2024
    Venue: Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai
    Theme: Digital Health at Scale- Success Stories

The Global Digital Health Summit has, over the years, established itself as one of the world’s most sought-after forums on Digital Health. It brings together global leaders who have shaped the domain of Digital Health to engage in thought-provoking discussions about the future of healthcare. In India, it has grown to become the country’s largest healthcare summit, attracting nearly 2,000 attendees.

This year, the summit reached new heights by hosting:

    • The National Nursing Summit on Digital Health in partnership with the Indian Nursing Council.

    • The National Scientific Symposium on Mental Health, Human Rights & Digital Health, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission and the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences.

    • Enabling Next-Gen Digital Health Solutions through Google Technologies, hosted by Health Parliament.

    • One Health and the Role of Digital Technologies, in partnership with Brooke India and Mission Rabies.

    • The OHDSI India Symposium on Data-Driven Healthcare, in collaboration with OHDSI India and Global Value Web.

Key highlights of the event included an impressive lineup of global thought leaders such as:

    • Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Laureate and Founder & Former MD of Grameen Bank, as the Chief Guest.

    • Mr. Bernardo Mariano Jr., Chief IT Officer and Assistant Secretary-General, Office of ICT, UN.

    • Mr. Dino Cataldo Dell’Accio, CIO, UN Joint Staff Pension Fund.

    • Shri Bharat Lal, Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India.

The summit also featured senior clinician leaders, including presidents of leading medical societies, the President of the Indian Nursing Council, the Secretary of the National Medical Commission, and the President of the Maharashtra State Pharmacy Council.

The themes explored included success stories at scale, the integration of cutting-edge technologies in hospitals, pharma, MedTech, and clinical practice, and leadership in driving transformation. This year’s summit was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in reshaping the future of healthcare.

Contact: office@globalsummit.health | Website: www.globalsummit.health

::ANNOUNCEMENTS::

To Register for the conference visit https://www.telemedicon2024.com/

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad

Artificial Intelligence can Take Brain Cancer Treatment to New Heights

New guidelines for good clinical practice aim to harness artificial intelligence for more accurate diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of brain cancer…….. Read More

AI Helps Detect Silent Liver Disease

Liver disease, treatable if caught early, often goes undetected until later stages. However, a new study reveals that an AI-powered algorithm can accurately detect………. Read More

AI-Powered Precision Medicine: A New Era for UTI Treatment

Artificial intelligence (AI) was found to enhance urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment and combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR)……. Read More

Can Digital Health Improve Therapeutic Compliance in Oncology?

Therapeutic compliance, or adherence, is critical in oncology because of the complexity and duration of cancer treatment regimens………. Read More
Click here to Become a Member of Telemedicine Society of India

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines – A Foundation Course for RMPs by TSI Faculty

To know more about the Telemedicine Foundation Course click on the link below:
https://tsitn.org/tpg-course/

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter October 2024

Click Here to Download PDF Version

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

Next month, we gather at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh from 28th to 30th November for TELEMEDICON 2024, our highly anticipated annual conference. This issue includes the detailed program for the three days, allowing you to plan your participation and maximize your experience. With a central theme of ‘AI in Healthcare and Virtual Care’, the conference will host numerous sessions focused on these transformative areas.

The response has been tremendous, with over 50 abstracts submitted. Accepted abstracts and selected articles will have the opportunity for publication in ‘Telehealth and Medicine Today (THMT)’, a prestigious open-access, peer-reviewed journal indexed in Scopus, DOAJ, and other leading databases. THMT offers a multidisciplinary platform for exploring telehealth, clinical informatics, and digital health innovations through medical, policy, and economic lenses.

Participants will earn 11 accredited credit hours from the Punjab Medical Council, adding valuable professional development to the experience. Numerous interactive workshops are also planned, promising hands-on insights and skill-building.

Additionally, this issue features other compelling articles that are sure to enrich your knowledge and inspire new ideas. Dr.Krishnakumar from UP reports about the mid-term conference, Dr.Ganapathy about Space Ambulance and Dr.Ankur about organ donation promotion.

 

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
Vice President, TSI
Dr. Krishna Kumar Treasurer

Two Days Midterm Conference of Telemedicine Society of India – TeleMed UPrise 2024

Dr. Krishna Kumar
Organizing Secretary, “TeleMed UPrise 2024” | National Treasurer, TSI Hqrs | Honorary Secretary- TSI Uttar Pradesh Chapter | Director- KnackSun Life Sciences and CEO – ClinicOnClick

Telemedicine, defined as the practice of healthcare delivery for patients by doctors at a distance, has been an evolving field in India since its initiation in the year 2000. Now, it stands on the cusp of its silver jubilee. The Telemedicine Society of India (TSI) was established as a non-profit professional body dedicated to promoting, expanding, and advancing telemedicine services across the nation. TSI’s membership includes a diverse range of professionals – doctors, engineers, scientists, students, paramedics, health-related research institutions, hospitals, and NGOs – all of whom collaborate to fulfill TSI’s objectives and goals. Through partnerships with Niti Aayog and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), TSI members have played a crucial role in developing India’s Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (TPG), officially notified in March 2020.

India’s government initiatives, such as Ayushman Bharat/e-Sanjeevani and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), have been instrumental in supporting telemedicine’s growth, specifically targeting rural-urban health access disparities and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients.

TSI’s Midterm Conference, titled “TeleMed UPrise 2024,” was held on September 20-21 in Prayagraj, organized by the TSI-UP chapter. This event emphasized engaging the next generation of technical and medical students, as well as enterprises, to foster sustainable, holistic growth in the field.

The two-day conference featured discussions on the role of digital health and emerging technologies, with panel discussions covering healthcare industry innovations, remote health monitoring, tele-stroke models, tele-ophthalmology, tele-agri-medicine, and more. Delegates attended insightful talks by experts sharing practical insights into emerging applications, while keynote speakers broadened their perspectives, utilized networking opportunities, and engaged with one another on new solutions for healthcare challenges.

Day 1: Bringing Telemedicine to the Next Generation

The first day of the conference introduced a “conference at your doorstep” format, with three sessions held at different academic campuses across Prayagraj:
1. United Medical College, Prayagraj
2. MLN Medical College, Prayagraj
3. Department of Physics, University of Allahabad

Dr. Krishna Kumar, Organizing Secretary, welcomed the attendees and emphasized that this unique approach mirrors telemedicine’s goal of providing healthcare “at the doorstep.” Dr. Murthy Remilla, former TSI Honorary Secretary, highlighted the evolution of telemedicine in India and the impact of TPG issued by MoHFW. He focused on technological advances supporting telemedicine as a career and a promising start-up field. Dr. Umashankar emphasized integrating telemedicine into academic curriculums, while Ms. Anita Stalin highlighted Lean Six Sigma training and certification as an upskilling opportunity for students. Dr. Ratan Srivastava and Dr. Surya Bali discussed the practical applications of telemedicine for healthcare professionals.

Dr. Pramod Kumar (United Medical College), Dr. Vatsala Mishra (MLN Medical College), and Dr. K.N. Uttam (University of Allahabad) expressed gratitude to TSI for its outreach efforts and expressed interest in more comprehensive sessions on telemedicine for their faculty and students.

Day 2: Sessions at Allahabad Medical Association

Day two of the conference, held at the Allahabad Medical Association, offered an opportunity for deeper engagement across specialties, as attendees explored the expansion and applications of telemedicine technology. The session on “Growth & Application of Advanced Technologies for Healthcare Delivery” opened with a welcome from Dr. Krishna Kumar, who spoke about the theme, “Unlimited Potential for GenNext and Medipreneurs.” He celebrated a wave of innovation among young MediPreneurs who are creating transformative healthcare solutions.

Dr. Ratan Srivastava provided insights into TSI’s efforts and the TeleMed UPrise initiative aimed at enhancing healthcare access. Vimal Wakhlu, past TSI President, presented on the future of telemedicine in India. He discussed how emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, big data analytics, extended reality, and drones can bridge the healthcare gap, particularly in remote areas. Dr. Anish Sinha discussed the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN), a government initiative that has modernized vaccine stock management, supporting healthcare workers in delivering vaccines more effectively.

In the second session, speakers explored telemedicine’s broad potential. Dr. Arti Pawaria discussed how telemedicine and AI work together in clinical diagnostics, while Dr. Vinay Singh, Chief Scientist at Orange Neurosciences, highlighted telemedicine’s role in mental health. He emphasized the mental health crisis in India and how telemedicine can offer accessible, scalable solutions.

Sessions on Women’s Empowerment and Healthcare at Kumbh Mela

In a session on “Telemedicine and Women’s Empowerment,” Dr. Uma Nambiar discussed telemedicine’s impact on women’s health-seeking behavior, while Dr. Meenu Singh from AIIMS, Rishikesh, presented on telemedicine’s benefits for maternal and child health, reducing the need for travel and associated infection risks. Dr. Manushi Srivastava from IMS BHU emphasized the importance of telemedicine education for underserved communities.

The conference’s fourth session focused on telemedicine’s role in mass healthcare delivery during large gatherings, specifically the upcoming Kumbh Mela. The panel, led by Dr. Krishna Kumar, discussed telemedicine as a means to manage the expected footfall of 40 crore pilgrims, proposing a hybrid model combining digital and physical healthcare to address the challenges of this large-scale event.

Innovative Telemedicine Startups and Future Perspectives

The final session, “Telemedicine Awareness, Technology & Start-ups: GenNext in Transforming TM as an Enterprise,” was informative and forward-thinking. Dr. S. Umashankar emphasized integrating telemedicine into healthcare education, which has seen exponential growth post-COVID-19. Dr. Amitabha Kar highlighted the need for real-time telemedicine solutions in rural areas, especially for agricultural and occupational health hazards.

Outcomes and Future Prospects

This midterm conference explored the technical, practical, and social aspects of telemedicine, underscoring its potential for public healthcare, especially in large-scale gatherings like Kumbh Mela. TSI committed its full support to the Government of Uttar Pradesh for Kumbh 2025, offering expertise and resources for telemedicine integration into healthcare efforts for this event.

A souvenir was released at the conference, featuring messages from dignitaries, including the Governor of Uttar Pradesh and the Chief Minister. Appreciation certificates were distributed to participants, celebrating their contributions. Over 800 delegates attended, including 450+ students from medical colleges and 250+ students from the University of Allahabad’s Physics Department. The conference proceedings will be available online, allowing members of TSI and the public to access valuable insights into telemedicine’s impact and potential in India.

This successful conference underscored telemedicine’s vital role in India’s healthcare future, driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to bridging health disparities across regions.

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KGanapathy_200

SPACE AMBULANCE

Dr. K. Ganapathy
Distinguished Visiting Professor IIT Kanpur | Distinguished Professor The TamilnaduDr MGR Medical University | Emeritus Professor National Academy of Medical Sciences | Past President : Telemedicine Society of India, Neurological Society of India, Indian Society for Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery | Formerly WHO Digital Health Expert | Director Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation & Apollo Tele Health Services

For many years it has been the dream of Digital Health enthusiasts to use cutting-edge technology to provide need-based, cost-effective, appropriate, technology-enabled remote healthcare 24/7 to anyone, anytime, anywhere.

As early as 2015, I was personally involved in setting up a 24/7 Tele emergency service in the Himalayas .

In the last 9 years, several patients diagnosed remotely were transferred by surface or helicopter to the nearest tertiary hospital. Though almost 3 miles above sea level with temperatures of -25C these patients were still on earth!!!

What does one do when the patient is 230 miles above the earth and remote diagnosis confirms that surgical intervention or ICU management is required immediately? To start building a prototype Space Ambulance (hoping that it will never ever be used!) requires extraordinary involvement, passion, and dedication besides knowledge and skills.

But then, what else would you expect from an astronaut who has spent 49 days in space in four shuttle missions, three spacewalks, the first human to perform an in-flight repair to the Space Shuttle’s exterior, and also the first to take a “ SELFIE” in space.

It was indeed a privilege to spend 1 hour, one to one (on Saturday a holiday) with Dr Stephen Robinson former astronaut and presently Head, Dept of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Davis.

Humility personified, with the enthusiasm of a Seenager (like me, he is an elderly teenager!), Prof Robinson gave me a glimpse of what his 17 Ph.D students are doing under his tutelage.

Though there will be no traffic jams, designing a well-equipped Ambulance that will precisely dock with a spacecraft traveling at 28,000 km per hour, 400 km above the earth, presupposes mastery of scores of multi-disciplinary sciences.

As Dr Stephen pointed out funding for such a project would really take off (pun intended) only when there is a use case!! Today the whole world is only talking about RoI to justify investment. While there could be spinoffs benefitting earthlings, many would question funding to build a Space Ambulance.

For the individual astronaut or space tourist critically ill RoI’s should not matter. Dr Stephen indicated that it would take 2.5 hours for the space ambulance to reach the astronaut (sometimes this is the time taken on Earth also!!).

For gizmos, jeeks, and space enthusiasts preliminary details of the proposed prototype are given below along with the patient module.

This article has been previously published on https://www.digitalhealthnews.com/ Please click here to view the Latest daily healthcare news & updates-Digital Health News.
Ankur-Mittal_v1

Webinar on deceased organ donation in India

Dr. Ankur Mittal,
All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh – Urology
MBBS, MS, MCh (Urology)|Secretary, TSI-Uttarakhand State Chapter

A highly informative and engaging webinar on “Deceased Organ Donation” was organised by Telemedicine Society of India on 9th October 2024. The event was coordinated by Dr. Ankur Mittal and saw the participation of multiple speakers, who shared their expertise on different aspects of the subject. The webinar aimed to raise awareness about deceased organ donation, discuss technological advancements, and highlight the role of voluntary training programs and organizations in this noble cause.

Welcome Address

The webinar commenced with a warm welcome address delivered by Prof. Meenu Singh and Mr. Umashankar, who set the tone for the session by emphasizing the importance of organ donation. They spoke about the need for heightened awareness and education to increase organ donation rates, particularly in India, where the demand far exceeds the supply.

Presentation on Technology in Organ Donation

Dr.Sunil Shroff presented a detailed talk on “How technology has been a game-changer in organ donation in India.” He outlined how technological advancements, such as digital databases for organ donors and recipients, have streamlined the process, making it more efficient and transparent. He discussed the integration of telemedicine and AI in predicting transplant outcomes, improving the success rate of organ transplants. Dr. Shroff highlighted India’s efforts to use technology to match donors with recipients in a timely manner, thereby saving more lives.

Organ Donation Ambassador – Voluntary Training Program

The webinar also introduced participants to the Organ Donation Ambassador Voluntary Training Program in India. The program was discussed as a crucial initiative aimed at training individuals to become advocates for organ donation. Through voluntary training, these ambassadors are expected to raise awareness and educate the public about the importance of deceased organ donation, which remains a critical need in the country.

MOHAN Foundation’s Contributions

MOHAN Foundation, a leading non-governmental organization working in the field of organ donation in India, was also discussed. The foundation’s relentless efforts in conducting awareness campaigns, providing training, and facilitating transplants were highlighted. Their initiatives, including offering support to donor families and transplant coordinators, have had a significant impact on promoting deceased organ donation across India.

Online Courses for Training Transplant Coordinators

The session also provided valuable information regarding online courses aimed at training transplant coordinators. These courses are designed to equip coordinators with the necessary skills to manage organ transplants effectively, ensuring that the complex process is carried out smoothly and in accordance with legal and ethical standards. The role of a trained transplant coordinator is vital in the successful execution of deceased organ donation.

AI in Predicting Transplant Outcomes

A brief discussion was held on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in predicting the outcomes of deceased organ transplants. AI models are increasingly being used to analyze data and predict the likelihood of transplant success, thus enabling medical professionals to make better-informed decisions. This innovation could lead to more efficient use of available organs and improved patient outcomes.

Basics of Organ Donation and Testimonials

Ms. Pallavi shared insights into the basics of organ donation and presented moving testimonials from the families of deceased organ donors. The testimonials served as a reminder of the life-changing impact that organ donation can have on recipients while honoring the selflessness of the donors and their families. Ms.Pallavi’s segment brought a personal and emotional touch to the discussion, highlighting the human aspect of organ donation.

Legislative Framework and Steps for Deceased Organ Donation

Dr.Vikas Panwar provided an in-depth explanation of the steps involved in deceased organ donation and the legislative framework governing it in India. He elaborated on the legal protocols, consent processes, and the role of the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) in regulating organ donation. His presentation clarified the legal responsibilities of healthcare providers and the rights of donor families, ensuring that the entire process is transparent and ethical.

Q&A with Expert Panel

The webinar concluded with a discussion session where expert faculties addressed doubts and questions from the participants. The panel answered queries related to the process of deceased organ donation, eligibility criteria, and the role of technology and legislation in making the process more efficient.

Conclusion

The webinar effectively highlighted the role of telemedicine in disseminating knowledge about deceased organ donation to distant regions, making the meeting accessible to a wider audience. With the advancements in technology, organ donation awareness, and training, the future looks promising for increased organ donation rates in India. The use of online platforms for training, AI for predicting outcomes, and coordinated efforts by organizations like Mohan Foundation will likely lead to a positive shift in the country’s organ donation landscape.

Hospital Guide Foundation conducted one of the largest multispecialty health camps with the gram panchayat in Jewar, UP on 28th Oct.

Ms. Indritta De Mello, our TSI EC member from Delhi, actively promotes telehealth through her ‘Hospital Guide Foundation’ a nom profit organsaiton. Her foundaiton conducted one of the largest multispecialty health camps with the gram panchayat in Jewar, UP on 28th Oct. Continuum of care to be given through our ongoing Telemedicine services & other services in the area. Please find the link the extensive news coverage. https://youtu.be/EHNASrgItIo?si=6EXWYeDXnHGsRbA_

::ANNOUNCEMENTS::

To Register for the conference visit https://www.telemedicon2024.com/

20th International Conference of Telemedicine Society of India (TSI) ‘Telemedicon 2024′

Theme: Virtual Healthcare and Role of AI

Tentative Program Schedule

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad

Advancing Heart Treatment in India With AI-Driven Therapies

Experts emphasize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform heart disease treatment in India by enabling early detection and personalized therapies…….. Read More

Artificial Intelligence Predicts Diarrheal Outbreaks

Climate change-fueled extreme weather, like devastating floods and prolonged droughts, frequently triggers outbreaks of diarrheal diseases………. Read More

The AI Advantage: Tackling Antibiotic Resistance

A breakthrough in antibiotic resistance detection has been achieved by researchers at the University of Zurich. Using cutting-edge artificial intelligence…… Read More

AI Bots Treated as Social Beings

Humans displayed empathy and protective behavior towards AI bots excluded from a virtual ball game as discovered by a study published in Human Behavior……… Read More
Click here to Become a Member of Telemedicine Society of India

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines – A Foundation Course for RMPs by TSI Faculty

To know more about the Telemedicine Foundation Course click on the link below:
https://tsitn.org/tpg-course/

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter September 2024

Click Here to Download PDF Version

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

We are excited to inform you that TELEMEDICON2024 is rapidly taking shape and will be held in Chandigarh from November 28th to 30th, 2024. We encourage all members to register promptly and take full advantage of the ‘subsidized registration fees’ for this prestigious international event. Stay informed about the latest program updates by visiting our official website – https://www.telemedicon2024.com

Happy to report our TSI member Dr.Haleema Yezdani, has been elected to WHO Federated Digital ID for Sustainable Development (FIDES) committee. In this issue, she writes about how this WHO body seeks to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered, tracked, and improved using digital identity systems and health data. Dr.Raghavan, our member has been selected as a Fellow of the Society for Biomaterials and Artificial Organs in India and TSI congratulates him.

As the theme of TELEMEDICON is AI in Healthcare and Virtual Clinic we are carrying articles related to these subjects in the next two issues and the first is on the Evolution and History of AI in Healthcare.

On another note, a recurring issue we face is the lack of proper documentation of our events. Despite numerous reminders, many TSI members who dedicate considerable time and effort to organizing their events do not report or share their achievements in our newsletter. This oversight diminishes the visibility of all the hard work being done.

India still lacks a dedicated digital health journal, and for the past four years, our newsletter has been the sole platform available online for the world to witness the progress in the field of digital health within the country. I urge members to reflect on this and consider the importance of documenting and showcasing their contributions.

Finally, don’t forget to start submitting your abstracts for the conference. Wishing everyone happy festivities!

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
Vice President, TSI
Dr_Haleema_Yezdani

WHO FIDES: Empowering Global Health through Digital Innovation

Dr. Haleema Yezdani
General Physician, Diabetologist
Vice President, HIMSS India
Consultant, Apollo Sugar Clinic Electronic City Phase 2 Bengaluru

The World Health Organization (WHO) has long been a guiding force in global health initiatives, striving to ensure that every individual has access to the highest standards of healthcare. A significant step towards achieving this vision is the Federated Digital ID for Sustainable Development (FIDES), which seeks to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered, tracked, and improved upon, using digital identity systems and health data.

WHO FIDES: A Vision for the Future

The WHO FIDES initiative is designed to support the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by improving the integration of health data across borders, creating robust digital identities for individuals, and fostering more equitable access to healthcare services. FIDES aims to bridge gaps in healthcare, ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable populations are not left behind in the pursuit of universal health coverage.

The vision of WHO FIDES is clear: a world where every individual can securely access their health data, regardless of location, fostering improved health outcomes and greater trust in global health systems. This is achieved through interoperability between systems, data privacy safeguards, and a user-centered approach that empowers patients and health workers alike.

Mission: Transforming Health Systems

The mission of the WHO FIDES project is multifaceted:

  1. Data Integration and Accessibility: To create an integrated and scalable digital identity system that allows health data to be securely accessed and shared across borders, improving the efficiency of care.
  2. Equitable Access: To close the gap between different regions and communities, ensuring equal access to health services for all, especially those in underserved areas.
  3. Sustainability: To establish systems that are not only effective in the short term but are sustainable in the long run, contributing to the health sector’s resilience in addressing global challenges, such as pandemics and health crises.
  4. Interoperability: To create systems that communicate across various health platforms, ensuring that data is shared seamlessly and securely.
  5. Empowerment of Individuals: To ensure individuals have control over their own health data, promoting agency and informed decision-making in healthcare.

My Involvement
With my strong background in digital health, telemedicine, data privacy, and healthcare innovation, WHO wanted me to play a role in FIDES. And help in driving forward the project’s mission of equitable healthcare access through digital innovation.

I have always worked for health equity by advocating for vulnerable populations in global health policy forums. My membership in WHO FIDES focuses on ensuring that digital identity systems prioritize patient confidentiality, while also facilitating the efficient exchange of health data to improve patient outcomes.

WHO FIDES continues to explore innovative approaches to digital health, from telemedicine to digital health wallets, ensuring that all individuals have access to the care they need, wherever they are in the world.

Conclusion

The WHO FIDES initiative stands as a pivotal force in transforming healthcare delivery through the power of digital identity and data integration. With a mission aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and a vision of accessible, equitable healthcare for all, FIDES is shaping the future of health systems globally.

It ensures in merging multiple powerful voices in health care into a single voice under the banner of WHO fides whom everyone can trust.
Dr. Sunil Shroff Vice President

The Evolution of AI in Medicine: From Early Expert Systems to Modern Breakthroughs

Dr. Sunil Shroff
Vice President, Telemedicine Society of India | Consultant Urologist & Transplant Surgeon

The history of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is a story of innovation, gradual development, and challenges.

It began in the 1960s, when AI’s early focus was on diagnostic support through expert systems such as MYCIN. Over time, the scope of AI has expanded to include areas like predictive modeling, clinical decision support, drug discovery, and administrative tasks, deeply influencing modern healthcare.

Despite these advancements, challenges such as data privacy, ethical concerns, and algorithmic bias persist.

This summary explores the evolution, key milestones, and the future of AI in healthcare.

Early Developments

AI in healthcare took its initial steps during the 1960s with the development of problem-solving programs, specifically expert systems. One of the earliest notable applications was ‘Dendral’, designed for organic chemistry, which paved the way for MYCIN. MYCIN was developed in the 1970s to assist clinicians in diagnosing infectious diseases by recommending antibiotics based on the patient’s symptoms. Alongside MYCIN, systems like INTERNIST-1 and CASNET aimed to help clinicians by providing diagnostic insights, though none of these early systems saw widespread clinical adoption. This lack of adoption was primarily due to the limitations in computing power and the complexity of translating medical knowledge into programmable rules.

Growth of AI in the 1980s and 1990s

The 1980s and 1990s were transformative years for AI in healthcare due to the rise of microcomputers and enhanced network connectivity. During this period, researchers focused on developing AI systems that could operate with incomplete data, thus mirroring the uncertain conditions healthcare professionals often face. Techniques like Fuzzy set theory, Bayesian networks, and artificial neural networks became prevalent. These advancements allowed AI to improve its decision-making processes, particularly in medical fields where data could be ambiguous or incomplete.

AI made its mark in diagnostic pathology through digital pathology tools, enabling the scanning and analysis of microscopy slides to diagnose diseases. This innovation led to AI’s use in diagnosing conditions such as breast cancer, gastric cancer, and hepatitis B. These AI systems not only improved diagnostic accuracy but also reduced the workload for pathologists by automating large-scale data analyses.

Predictive Modeling and Clinical Decision Support

AI in healthcare has seen significant growth in predictive modeling. Algorithms can analyze patient data to predict disease risks and possible outcomes. These predictions are often based on electronic health records (EHRs), which contain a wealth of patient data. For instance, a rule-based AI system could follow decision trees, linking specific symptoms and observations to potential diagnoses.

AI’s ability to use large datasets for predictions has contributed to more personalized medicine, where treatment strategies are tailored to individual patients based on their history and genetic data.

AI has also been instrumental in clinical decision-making. Its role has expanded beyond basic diagnostic aid to include support in emergency departments, where AI algorithms can prioritize cases and reduce wait times by processing data faster than humans.

The 2000s: EHRs and Telehealth Integration

The 2000s marked a critical turning point for AI in healthcare, particularly with the growing adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). The widespread use of EHRs facilitated the integration of AI systems into clinical workflows, providing a vast pool of data for analysis. AI algorithms began using EHRs to predict treatment outcomes, detect disease patterns, and even recommend care plans tailored to patient needs.

AI also began to enhance telehealth services, making healthcare more accessible, especially in remote areas. Through telemedicine, AI-supported platforms allowed real-time monitoring of patient health, creating opportunities for remote diagnosis and consultation. This integration was especially useful during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the need for virtual healthcare delivery grew.

Ethical Challenges and Regulatory Concerns

Despite the promising advances, AI in healthcare faces significant ethical challenges. A key concern is the lack of transparency in AI decision-making processes, often referred to as the black box problem. Clinicians may hesitate to trust AI recommendations if they cannot understand how the AI arrived at its conclusions. Moreover, algorithmic bias poses another challenge. AI systems are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on, and datasets lacking diversity can lead to biased outcomes that disproportionately affect underrepresented populations.

Data privacy is another critical issue. With the vast amounts of patient data needed to train AI systems, safeguarding this information is paramount. Stricter data protection regulations, such as GDPR in Europe and HIPAA in the U.S., are necessary to ensure patient confidentiality. Regulatory frameworks must also evolve to address the liability concerns that come with AI-driven clinical decisions.

Recent Developments and Future Directions

Recent years have seen exponential growth in the application of AI technologies in healthcare. ‘Machine learning’ (ML) and ‘deep learning’ (DL) models, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have significantly improved diagnostic accuracy in areas such as ‘medical imaging’. AI now assists radiologists in detecting anomalies in X-rays and MRIs, speeding up diagnoses and reducing human error.

AI has also made breakthroughs in ‘drug discovery’. Algorithms can rapidly analyze molecular structures and predict how new drugs might interact with biological systems. This capability has the potential to shorten the drug development cycle and lower research costs. AI-driven drug development was notably accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when researchers used predictive models to identify possible treatments.

In the field of ‘robotic surgery’, AI has enabled more precise, minimally invasive procedures. Robots guided by AI can perform delicate surgeries with a level of precision that surpasses human capabilities. Additionally, AI-powered prosthetics and rehabilitation technologies have improved patient outcomes in post-operative recovery and physical therapy, enhancing mobility and independence.

Future Trends and Implications

Looking ahead, AI is expected to play an increasingly central role in healthcare delivery. The integration of ‘precision medicine’—which uses patient-specific data to tailor treatments—will become more widespread as AI systems become better at analyzing complex genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. In ‘telehealth’, AI-driven tools like Chabot’s and personalized health information will continue to improve patient-provider communication and enable more effective monitoring of chronic conditions.

However, to realize AI’s full potential in healthcare, ‘collaborative ecosystems’ between healthcare providers, AI developers, and regulatory bodies are essential. Interdisciplinary partnerships will be needed to address both technological and ethical challenges, fostering a smoother integration of AI into daily healthcare practice.

Conclusion

The history of AI in healthcare is one of continuous progress, characterized by groundbreaking innovations and critical challenges. From its early beginnings with diagnostic tools like MYCIN to its current applications in telemedicine, robotic surgery, and drug discovery, AI has transformed healthcare practices. However, as AI becomes more embedded in healthcare, ethical concerns, data privacy issues, and the need for regulatory oversight will remain crucial. As the technology evolves, striking a balance between innovation and patient safety will be key to ensuring that AI improves both medical practices and patient outcomes.
Mr-S-Rajarajan_200x250

14th HealthCare 360 Summit 2024

Rajarajan S
Group Chief Operating Officer, Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences

The 14th HealthCare 360 Summit 2024, held on 27th September 2024 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Chennai, was an outstanding gathering of over 150 senior healthcare professionals. Organized by ET Business Consulting, the summit provided a robust platform for industry leaders to engage in deep discussions on the current and future state of healthcare, with a special emphasis on emerging trends and technological advancements. The event saw participation from top healthcare executives, thought leaders, and decision-makers, all aiming to reshape the healthcare ecosystem for a more resilient and patient-centric future.

Event Highlights

Opening Session
The summit commenced with a Keynote Address and Welcome Speech at 9:30 AM, setting the tone for the day. It was followed by a series of meticulously curated panel discussions and networking opportunities. The opening sessions framed the central theme of the event: “Healthcare Vision 2024-2030: Designing, Planning, and Executing the Future of Hospitals.” This session, which ran from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, explored the strategic outlook for the healthcare sector in India over the next decade, including plans for integrating cutting-edge technologies with patient care to elevate hospital operations.

Panel Discussions

The summit featured a diverse lineup of panel discussions, each addressing critical aspects of the healthcare sector:

1. Healthcare Vision 2024-2030: Senior executives, including Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy (CEO, Rela Hospital) and Mr. Rajarajan S (Group COO, ASRAM) and Mrs. Monika Kejriwal Director – Healthcare, RSP Design Consultants (India) Pvt. Ltd. and, contributed their insights on how hospitals can prepare for the future by focusing on innovation and sustainability.

2. Profitability, Social Responsibility, and Clinical Care in Private Hospitals: Held between 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM, this panel delved into the challenges of balancing financial sustainability with ethical medical practices. Executives from KG Hospital, MGM Healthcare, and others shared their perspectives on how healthcare institutions can maintain high clinical standards while staying financially viable.

3. Exploring New Models in Healthcare Delivery: Moderated by Mr. Rajarajan S Group Chief Operating Officer Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences and Dr. Suresh Vishwanathan (Managing Director, SKS Hospital), this session at 12:40 PM to 1:30 PM explored alternative delivery models in healthcare, such as telemedicine, home healthcare, and mobile health units, offering a glimpse into the future of healthcare access in both urban and rural areas.

4. Tech Revolution in Healthcare: The final panel, from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, focused on the latest technological trends, including cloud computing, data security, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). Mr. Venkata Phanidhar (CEO, Medway Hospitals) and Dr. Stephen Mathew (COO, Sringeri Sharada Equitas Hospital) highlighted the role of AI in optimizing patient care and improving operational efficiency.

Networking Opportunities
The summit offered structured networking breaks, including a speed networking session from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM, which allowed participants to establish meaningful connections with industry peers. These interactions fostered collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas among hospital leaders, architects, technologists, and consultants.

Key Takeaways
1. Sustainability and Innovation: The overarching theme was the need for sustainability-driven innovations in hospital infrastructure and operations, with an emphasis on energy efficiency, patient safety, and clinical outcomes.

2. Balancing Profitability and Care: Executives stressed the importance of finding equilibrium between profitability and ethical healthcare delivery, ensuring that patient welfare remains at the forefront of healthcare strategies.

3. Technology as a Catalyst: The consensus was clear—technology will play a pivotal role in transforming healthcare delivery models. From AI to IoMT, digital tools are seen as critical for enhancing both clinical and operational processes in the years ahead.

4. Patient-Centered Approaches: Several discussions highlighted the shift toward patient-centered care, with hospitals focusing on personalized services, data-driven decision-making, and remote care models to meet evolving patient needs.

Conclusion

The 14th HealthCare 360 Summit 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together a formidable array of healthcare leaders committed to shaping the future of the industry. The exchange of knowledge, ideas, and solutions during the summit underscored the importance of collaboration in navigating the challenges ahead. The event not only provided deep insights into the direction healthcare is heading but also created a solid foundation for future initiatives that will define the next era of hospital and healthcare excellence.

The event concluded with closing remarks at 4:00 PM, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to implement new strategies within their respective organizations.

Sep24_image2

Join Us for the Next Healthcare Summit 2024: Innovating for a Healthier Future
We are excited to announce the Healthcare Summit 360 2024,Bengaluru, where industry leaders, innovators, and professionals will come together to shape the future of healthcare! This year’s theme, “Transforming Healthcare Delivery through Innovation,” will focus on cutting-edge technologies, new care models, and solutions to improve patient outcomes, accessibility, and hospital efficiency.

Event Details:
Date: [06.12.2024]
Location: Bengaluru
Theme: Transforming Healthcare Delivery through Innovation
Audience: Healthcare professionals, hospital administrators, technology experts, policymakers, and investors.

Key Topics:
Hospital Infrastructure & Technology: How IoT, AI, and Smart Hospitals are changing the landscape.
Telemedicine and Virtual Care: Revolutionizing healthcare delivery for patients everywhere.
Healthcare Delivery Channels: Innovative models like mHealth, home care, and retail clinics.
Data-Driven Healthcare: Harnessing Big Data and AI for better patient outcomes.
Patient-Centered Care: Delivering healthcare that’s accessible, efficient, and personalized.

Why Attend?
Network with top healthcare leaders and innovators
Gain insights from cutting-edge case studies and expert panels
Explore emerging technologies that are reshaping the healthcare industry
Collaborate on solutions to the most pressing challenges in healthcare delivery

Speakers:
We’ll feature a lineup of renowned speakers, including:
Mr. Rajarajan Sathymurthy, COO, Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences
Dr. Vijay, Partner Integra Ventures
Mr. Deepu Prakash, Managing Partners Aedium Design
Mrs. Monika Kejriwal Director Healthcare Director, RSP Design Consultant India

Who Should Attend?
This summit is designed for healthcare executives, hospital administrators, physicians, technologists, policy makers, and anyone passionate about advancing healthcare delivery through innovation.

How to Register:
Visit https://etbusinessconsult.com/register to secure your spot today.
Early bird registration discount are available until 6:11:2024

Let’s work together to innovate, collaborate, and build a healthier tomorrow!

::ANNOUNCEMENTS::

Dr.S.Raghavan

Professor S. Raghavan Elected as a Fellow of the Society for Biomaterials and Artificial Organs, India

Professor S. Raghavan is elected as FBAO in recognition to his lifetime contributions in the area of biomedical engineering, biomaterials, bioMEMS and Nano materials, as evident from his research publications and relevance to patient care technologies.

TSI congratulates Prof Raghavan for this prestigious honor.

To Register for the conference visit https://www.telemedicon2024.com/

To know more about CAHOTECH 2024 visit
 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nostethbutscope_cahotech24-blr-hospinnov-pitchfest-delegate-activity-7225805311683485696-Nkg0
Register Here

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Click here to Become a Member of Telemedicine Society of India

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines – A Foundation Course for RMPs by TSI Faculty

To know more about the Telemedicine Foundation Course click on the link below:
https://tsitn.org/tpg-course/

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter August 2024

Click Here to Download PDF Version

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

It has been four years since we launched this newsletter, which remains the only official regular publication dedicated to digital health emerging from India. I’ve often considered upscaling this into a journal, provided there’s sufficient interest from our esteemed members and leaders in the field. However, when it comes to publishing, it seems we Indians can be somewhat hesitant—whether due to shyness or perhaps a touch of laziness, I’m not entirely sure. Even sourcing articles for this small publication seems to be challenging.

The recent events in Kolkata have deeply shaken the medical community. The situation is distressing and has also brought to light the harsh working conditions in our government medical colleges, conditions that, unfortunately, have not changed much since I graduated in the 1980s. Please keep the young medical student and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

As we approach the festival season, there are numerous activities related to digital health on the horizon. Some of these are major events, and one could easily attend a seminar or webinar almost every week. Notably, the event in the first week of October by Dr. Rajendra Gupta in Mumbai promises to be exceptional. He has gathered prominent figures in digital health from around the globe, and it will be held at the Jio Convention Centre. Do register and enjoy this digital health feist before our November annual TELEMEDICON.

Wishing you all joyful festivities!

 

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
Vice President, TSI

::TSI Activities from Around the Country::

Smriti-Joshi

Demystifying AI: Reflections from the APA 2024 Panel Event

Smriti Joshi MBPsS
M.phil Clinical Psychology
Chief Psychologist & Member board of Directors, Wysa

Participating in the “Demystifying AI” panel at the APA 2024 conference was both an honor and a significant milestone in my career. Representing the Indian clinical psychologist community on such a global stage brought together years of work exploring how digital technologies, particularly AI, can transform mental health care.

My Journey into Digital Mental Health

My journey into digital mental health began with a realization that the demand for mental health services far exceeded what traditional, in-person sessions could offer. This gap between need and availability led me to explore digital solutions that could extend the reach of mental health care.

A pivotal moment occurred in 2011 during my telemental health certification course. I came across an image that sparked a vision (see below) : using technology to make mental health care accessible to millions. I also remembered what one of my patients had said to me when she met with an accident and couldnt come in for therapy sessions “wish I could speak with you from wherever I am or could access to some support while i was on bedrest” . What began as an ambitious idea has since evolved into a reality, with digital mental health solutions becoming integral to everyday practice.

I’ve been fortunate to be part of the founding team for the world’s first, safest and most evidence-based mental health chatbot- Wysa.,What makes Wysa unique is its emphasis on doing things right—prioritizing domain expertise and ethical considerations over speed to market. Working with cross-functional teams and founders who value this approach has taught me that innovation in mental health isn’t just about technology. It’s about creating solutions that are ethical, effective, and genuinely beneficial for users.

Key Themes from the Panel Discussions

The panel discussions were filled with insights that are shaping the future of AI in mental health care. Here are some of the key themes we explored:

1. Bridging Psychology and AI:

A central theme was how our background in psychology equips us to engage with AI in meaningful ways. Our deep understanding of human behavior, cognition, and ethics positions us uniquely to contribute to AI’s development. However, with AI evolving rapidly, expanding our expertise—particularly in areas like data science and human-computer interaction—is crucial to effectively guiding AI’s integration into mental health care.

2. Enhancing Clinical Practice with AI:

AI holds significant potential to enhance clinical practice, particularly in improving decision-making and personalizing treatment. We discussed how AI can analyze large datasets to offer insights that improve clinical outcomes, such as supporting differential diagnoses and tailoring interventions to individual needs. However, we agreed that AI should complement—not replace—the human element in therapy. The therapist-client relationship remains at the heart of effective mental health care, and AI should support, not undermine, this connection.

3. Psychologists as Active Contributors to AI Development:

Another powerful message from the panel was the need for psychologists to transition from observers to active contributors in AI development. Our expertise in human behavior and ethics is critical in shaping AI tools that are innovative, safe, and ethical. Being involved from the beginning ensures that AI is developed in ways that truly benefit mental health care and adhere to ethical standards.

4. AI for Enhanced Clinical Workflow and Continuity of Care:

We discussed the transformative role AI can play in streamlining clinical workflows and ensuring continuity of care, which can lead to better outcomes for both patients and providers. By taking on routine tasks such as scheduling, follow-ups, and administrative documentation, AI frees up clinicians to focus more on patient care. AI-driven tools can also provide continuous support between sessions, helping maintain therapeutic momentum and improving overall patient outcomes. This seamless integration of AI into the clinical workflow not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to more consistent and personalized care.

5. Addressing Anxiety About AI:

AI’s growing role has naturally caused anxiety among both professionals and the public. We discussed how psychologists can play a key role in alleviating these fears by demystifying AI and helping people understand its capabilities and limitations. By fostering a more informed and balanced perspective, we can help everyone feel more comfortable with AI’s integration into daily life and mental health care.

6. Ethical Considerations and Data Privacy:

Ethics was a major focus, particularly around data privacy and the risk of bias. While AI offers tremendous benefits, it also raises challenging ethical questions. We have a responsibility to ensure that the data used to train AI is diverse, representative, and handled with the utmost care to protect clients’ privacy. These considerations are crucial to maintaining the trust that underpins the therapist-client relationship.

7. Building Evidence and Involving Stakeholders:

Successfully integrating AI into mental health care requires building a robust evidence base. This means continuously collecting and analyzing data to demonstrate the effectiveness of AI tools. Equally important is involving clinicians and service users in the development process. Their feedback ensures that AI tools are not only clinically effective but also practical and user-friendly. We discussed the value of user panels, which include diverse voices, to continually make datasets inclusive and relevant to the populations they serve.

8. Personalization and Inclusivity in AI Interventions:

Finally, we explored the potential of AI to create personalized and culturally adapted mental health interventions. AI can tailor care to the unique needs of each individual, but only if it’s developed with a focus on inclusivity. Without careful oversight, AI could unintentionally reinforce existing biases and inequalities. That’s why it’s crucial for psychologists to work closely with AI developers to ensure these tools are fair and beneficial for everyone.

Reflections on My Learnings

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve learned several critical lessons about what works and what doesn’t in the realm of digital mental health:

  • Ethics and Integrity: Ensuring that digital mental health tools are developed and implemented ethically is non-negotiable. This includes upholding principles like user autonomy, beneficence, and justice.

  • User Safety: Protecting users from harm, whether physical or psychological, is paramount. This means implementing robust safety measures, such as risk management protocols, accurate information provision, and appropriate interventions.

  • Data Privacy: Adhering to data privacy standards, such as GDPR and HIPAA, is essential to building trust. Users must feel confident that their data is secure and that their privacy is respected.

  • Provider Training: Clinicians must be adequately trained to use digital tools effectively. This includes understanding the limitations of AI, interpreting its outputs correctly, and integrating these tools into their practice safely.

  • Collaboration: Developers, clinicians, and researchers need to collaborate closely to ensure that digital mental health tools are safe, effective, and aligned with ethical standards.

  • Evidence-Based Practice: Continuously generating and integrating clinical evidence is vital for ensuring that AI tools are effective and that they contribute positively to mental health outcomes.

AI has the potential to transform clinical psychology and psychiatry by making mental health care more accessible, improving diagnoses, and enhancing patient engagement. But as clinicians, we need to guide how these technologies are integrated into our practice. By staying informed, involving all stakeholders, and ensuring that AI tools are developed and used ethically, we can provide more personalized and effective care to those who need it most.. I’m excited to keep pushing forward, continuing to innovate, and mental health support scalable and permission less.

Advancing Healthcare Through Digital Health & Telemedicine

Mr.D.Satheesh Kumar
Secretary–TSI, Tamilnadu Chapter | Joint Secretary–TSI (National)

Dr. T. Senthil
Vice President, TSI-Tamil Nadu State Chapter
EC Member-TSI (National)

 

Conference on “Digital Health & Telemedicine” Overview

The conference on “Digital Health & Telemedicine” aimed to explore the evolving landscape of healthcare technology, focusing on the integration of digital health solutions and telemedicine practices. The primary objectives were to educate healthcare professionals on the latest trends, share innovative approaches in telemedicine, and discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with digital health. This event was particularly significant in the post-pandemic era, where telemedicine has become an essential component of healthcare delivery.

Venue and Organization

The conference was held in association with the Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, where all government and private medical colleges and hospitals in Tamil Nadu are affiliated, except for some deemed universities. This collaboration ensured extensive outreach, particularly within the government sector. Special recognition goes to Dr. K. Selvakumar, Past President of TSI & Visiting Professor of the university, and Dr. Sunil Shroff, currently Vice President of TSI, who served as conveners. Their close ties with the university’s Vice Chancellor were instrumental in organizing the event.

The conference took place on Friday, August 2, 2024, at the Silver Jubilee Auditorium of The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai. This was the third time the TSI Tamil Nadu Chapter collaborated with the university to host an event on its premises. Nodal officers in telemedicine from various medical colleges and district hospitals participated, both in-person and online. Directors from Medical Education, Rural Health, and Public Health departments also participated, chairing several sessions.

Inaugural Ceremony

The event commenced with the traditional Thamizh Thai Vazhthu and the lighting of the lamp (Kuthuvilakku), followed by a welcome address by Dr. P. Arumugam, Registrar (FAC) of the university. Dr. Sunil Shroff introduced the conference’s aims, while Dr. K. Narayanasamy, Vice-Chancellor of The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, delivered the Inaugural Address, highlighting the university’s vision for digital health and telemedicine in Tamil Nadu.

Dr. Kim Ramasamy, President of TSI, was the Guest of Honour and delivered the Presidential Address. Dr. H. Ikramulla, President of TSI, Tamil Nadu Chapter, delivered the Keynote Address, emphasizing the importance of telemedicine in modern healthcare.

The event featured seven scientific sessions:

  1. Session I: Telemedicine Application
    – Focused on the university’s vision for digital health, remote patient monitoring, and the integration of payment gateways and digital signatures in telemedicine. Esteemed speakers shared valuable insights.
  2. Session II: Telemedicine Growth & Practice
    – Covered the impact of COVID-19 on telemedicine and best practices for establishing virtual clinics, with contributions from Dr. Subramaniam Swaminathan and Dr. Sunil Shroff.
  3. Session III: Telemedicine Setup & Remote Monitoring Devices
    – Discussions centered on network connectivity, video conferencing, wearables, and other critical devices. Experts like Mr. Ashwin Desai and PadmaShri Dr. S. Natarajan offered their perspectives.
  4. Session IV: Evaluation of Telemedicine & NMC Guidelines
    – Explored the global landscape of telemedicine, its history in India, and associated legal issues. Renowned speakers Dr. K. Ganapathy, Dr. R. Kim, and Dr. Sunil Shroff provided authoritative lectures.
  5. Session V: Telemedicine in Specialties
    – Highlighted telemedicine’s application in various specialties, including Tele-Dermatology, Tele-Cardiology, and Tele-Surgery, with contributions from Dr. P. Manokar, Dr. Sanjay Sharma, and Dr. Murthy Remilla of ISRO.
  6. Session VI: Tele-Dentistry & Revenue Models in Telemedicine
    – Featured discussions on Tele-Dentistry by the Dean of Sri Ramachandra Dental College and a successful revenue model in Tele-Ophthalmology presented by Dr. T. Senthil.
  7. Session VII: Tele-Education
    – The final session explored telemedicine’s role in education, including tele-mentoring and mobile telemedicine vans, with insights from leaders like Dr. Chavan Kalidas, Dean of ESI Medical College, and Dr. Sheila John.

Outcomes

The conference successfully met its objectives, fostering a deeper understanding of digital health and telemedicine among participants. Key outcomes included:

– Increased awareness of telemedicine’s role in improving healthcare accessibility and efficiency.

– Identification of best practices for implementing telemedicine in various specialties.

– Enhanced collaboration among healthcare professionals, fostering an environment of innovation and shared learning.

Innovative Approaches

The conference showcased several innovative approaches, including:

– Telemedicine in Specialties: Sessions focused on telemedicine applications in cardiology, dermatology, and other specialties, providing practical insights into the specialized use of telehealth.

– Tele-Education: Discussions on using telemedicine for uniform teaching practices and examinations highlighted its potential to revolutionize medical education.

The event concluded with a group photo and a vote of thanks by Dr. S.T. Radhiga, Professor & Head of the Department of Medical Education & Curriculum Development at the university.

Conclusion

The one-day conference on “Digital Health & Telemedicine” was a resounding success, providing a platform for healthcare professionals to explore the future of healthcare through technology. The event not only met its objectives but also set the stage for ongoing innovation and collaboration within the field of telemedicine.

Group Photo after validectory function
Photo : L to R :Past President-TSI, Registrar, Vice Chancellor, President-TSI, TN Chapter & President – TSI (National)
Pawan-Gupta

Creating Health Screening Ecosystem for Community Research

Dr. Pawan Gupta
Treasurer, TSI- NCR State Chapter | EC member- TSI Hqrs
Sr. Director (Surgical Oncology) at Max Institute of Cancer Care Delhi NCR | FOUNDER – ICanCaRe Digital Tobacco Wellness program, ICanCaRe Medical Services, ICanCaRe Academy

As part of the AAROGYAM 2024 conference, I was invited as a guest speaker to present on the topic “Creating Health Screening Ecosystem for Community Research.” The session took place on the 9th of August 2024, from 12:30 pm to 01:00 pm.

Key Points Covered:

  • The importance of establishing a robust health screening ecosystem for community research.
  • Strategies for integrating health screening into community settings.
  • The role of healthcare professionals in advancing community health initiatives through research.
  • Case studies and examples of successful community health screening programs.

Outcome:

The session was well-received by the attendees, including healthcare professionals and academic researchers. The discussion sparked interest in developing similar initiatives within their respective communities, aligning with ICanCaRe’s mission to promote health and well-being through research and education.

Follow-Up:

  • Potential collaboration opportunities were discussed with attendees, which may lead to further involvement with ICanCaRe’s initiatives.

Next Steps:

  • Explore potential partnerships with interested attendees to expand ICanCaRe’s outreach and impact in community health screening.

The session was an incredible opportunity to share insights on how we can build stronger health screening programs within our communities, driving impactful research and improving public health outcomes.
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MOU between Academy of Hospital Adminstrators Noida and TSI Rajasthan Chapter

Maj. Gen. Dr. Ashok Singh,
President, TSI-Rajasthan State Chapter | Past President-TSI Hqrs

TSI (Rajasthan Chapter) has signed a MoU with Academy of Hospital Administration (AHA) on 27th July 2024.

AHA is a distinguished autonomous professional organization of highly qualified and experienced industry experts, academicians, and practitioners in the field of hospital and health systems management. The tradition of excellence extends to organizing a diverse range of academic programs, including MBA courses, PG certificate programs, Management Development Programs (MDPs), and focused training initiatives since last 37 years.

Objectives of the MoU include designing and implementing need-based academic research and short-term training courses.

Exchanging MOU with Academy of Hospital Administrators, Noida and TSI Rajasthan chapter
Dr. Shyama Nagarajan (ED AHA), Maj. Gen. AK Singh, Gen. SK Biswas, Dr. Jitendra Sharma, Dr. Yashpal Sharma (President AHA) and GP Capt. (Dr.) Rajiv Pathni

::ANNOUNCEMENTS::

To Register for the conference visit https://www.telemedicon2024.com/

To know more about CAHOTECH 2024 visit
 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nostethbutscope_cahotech24-blr-hospinnov-pitchfest-delegate-activity-7225805311683485696-Nkg0

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad

ChatGPT: A Time-Saving Tool for Handling Patient Queries
A study indicates that the ChatGPT chatbot may serve as an effective tool to save time by addressing patient inquiries directed to the urologist’s office……. Read More

Elon Musk’s Brain Chip Experiment Continues to Succeed
Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk announced that Neuralink is on track to have hundreds of people with brain chips within a few years………. Read More

AI-Powered Body Scanner Predicts Metabolic Syndrome Risk.
Mayo Clinic researchers are using AI and a cutting-edge 3D body scanner, originally designed for fashion, to predict metabolic syndrome risk more accurately….. Read More

AI in Indian Healthcare: The Billion-Dollar Game Changer by 2025
India’s AI healthcare market is skyrocketing, with a projected value of $1.6 billion by 2025. This rapid growth, fueled by a 40.6% annual increase…….. Read More
Click here to Become a Member of Telemedicine Society of India

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines – A Foundation Course for RMPs by TSI Faculty

To know more about the Telemedicine Foundation Course click on the link below:
https://tsitn.org/tpg-course/

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net

Tele-Health-Newsletter July 2024

Click Here to Download PDF Version

Telehealth Newsletter

Official Newsletter of Telemedicine Society of India

What is New?

The latest news is the shift of TELEMEDICON 2024 from Dharamsala to Chandigarh, to be conducted from 28th to 30th Nov 2024.

This last minute decision was made after much deliberation and discussion. Several issues arose with this remote location selection for a national conference without adequate due diligence. Access to Dharamsala was difficult with skyrocketing airfares, and many members expressed their inability to attend. Additionally, there was a lack of understanding and cooperation on how the conference would be coordinated locally by the Himachal chapter between two major institutions.

Post elections, we had the Budget 2024-25 announcement. And in this healthcare allocation has been almost ₹90,000 crores, with notable inclusions for telemedicine. Under the tertiary care program, funds are transferred to states for implementing various schemes, including:

  • Tobacco Control and Drug De-addiction Control Programme
  • National Mental Health Programme
  • Assistance for Capacity Building for Trauma Centres
  • National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke
  • Health Care for the Elderly
  • National Programme for Blindness
  • Telemedicine

This segment saw an increase in budgetary allocation from ₹276 crores to ₹369 crores.

The National Tele Mental Health Programme aims to provide universal access to equitable, accessible, affordable, and quality mental health care through 24×7 tele-mental health counseling services. As a digital component of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), it covers all Indian states and UTs with assured linkages and received a budgetary allocation of ₹90 crores.

So book your tickets for Chandigarh in advance and start preparing your abstracts!

 

Thank You
Dr. Sunil Shroff
Chief Editor
Vice President, TSI

::ANNOUNCEMENTS::

::Education Section::

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Doctor-Patient Relationship in Tech-enabled Healthcare

Dr. K. Ganapathy
Distinguished Visiting Professor IIT Kanpur | Distinguished Professor The TamilnaduDr MGR Medical University | Emeritus Professor National Academy of Medical Sciences | Past President : Telemedicine Society of India, Neurological Society of India, Indian Society for Stereotactic & Functional Neurosurgery | Formerly WHO Digital Health Expert | Director Apollo Telemedicine Networking Foundation & Apollo Tele Health Services

1968 : I entered Medical School 56 years ago. Trained in the 20th century, in the BC era my generation would today be considered to belong to the Neanderthal Age.

I injected air into the brain and dyed directly into the Carotid Artery to see if there was any displacement of ventricles or blood vessels in the brain – a surrogate marker for a possible “Space Occupying Lesion”. Tuberculoma and Cysticercosis (growths due to TB and parasites) were as common as benign and malignant brain tumors. Getting the patient’s consent for surgery was a one-sided conversation.

No questions were asked. Such was the faith and trust reposed in the surgeon. The role of the patient and the family in the decision-making process was minimal. We could not share our responsibility with anyone.

I was Amicus curiae and the Devil’s Advocate rolled into one. We entered the brains of our patients even before the surgery, trying to understand what he/she and their families would want, and took a surrogate decision on their behalf, in their interests.

2024: Tomorrow the Digital Health we will be practicing will be 5P (Predictive, Personalized, Precision, Participatory, and Preventive) medicine with AI as a major component. As 80% of the 41 Zetabytes (410 trillion GB) of digital information currently available is unstructured AI will detect patterns and trends, which our gray matter is unable to decipher.

Powerful AI techniques are unlocking clinically relevant information, hidden in massive amounts of data. Wanting to be future-ready and ahead of the curve, are we turning a Nelson’s eye and forgetting our past?

After all, it is NI (Natural, Native) Intelligence that led to the birth of AI. In a world where algorithms make diagnoses, wearables track vital signs, and robots are remotely controlled, to perform surgical procedures, will clinicians of the last century become an endangered species?

Technology today is working overtime to guarantee patient safety and quality improvement. There is already a marked shift in using technology to promote good health. In the next two decades the necessity to diagnose and treat established diseases will significantly reduce. There will be no chapter on “Complications”.

Genomics, radiomics, and specialties hardly existing today will replace many disciplines. The increasing use of a Digital Twin of a patient will enable accurate assessment and a preliminary “ in silico” trial.

We need to remind ourselves that technology is a means to an end, not an end by itself. Proactive measures need to be taken to ensure that increasing the use of technology does not lead to depersonalization and dehumanization.

Sir William Osler’s observations 150 years ago “ — the good physician treats the disease, the great physician treats the patient who has the disease”

“—–Patients don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”

“—Listen, listen, listen he is telling you the diagnosis” is even more relevant today. The world has turned upside down. Very soon a clinician who does not use AI in his/ her armamentarium would appear to have come from another planet!

Terms such as “ trust” and TLC (Tender Loving Care) espoused by my teachers, may soon disappear. Once new technologies roll over you, if you are not part of the steamroller, you are part of the road. The writing is on the wall!

The ultimate disruption will be when what today is termed AI will become ANI, not perhaps in my lifetime but certainly in the lifetime of my children.

The A in AI after all stands for Augmenting, Amplifying, Accelerating, Assisting, and Analyzing in an Ambient milieu.

A smart empathetic clinician using ANI will become smarter. A mediocre clinician using ANI will not necessarily become smarter. The Hippocratic Oath may have to be replaced with a Robocratic Oath.

After all “To err is ChatGPT, to forgive is human !!”

Click here to view the Latest daily healthcare news & updates-Digital Health News

TELEPSYCHOLOGY IN DEVELOPMENT: BOUNDARY ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Dr. Vikrant Mittal
MBBS, MD (Psychiatry, Yale),
MHA (Johns Hopkins), FACHE, FAPA

Ms. Swati
BA, MA, MPhil (Psychology),
PhD (candidate)

The use of technology-assisted mental health services by both practitioners and clients is increasing significantly so the telepsychology clinicians need to get ready to give competent care in this constantly changing service delivery environment. The “Guidelines for the Practice of Telepsychology” were published by the American Psychological Association in 2013 and, comparable guidelines for therapeutic online work have been published by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) in the UK. The aforementioned advancements highlight the growing fascination with virtual therapy among the counselling and psychotherapy fields. They have cleared the path for “telepsychology,” commonly referred to as online therapy, e-therapy, or e-counselling abroad, to gain official recognition.

The human interaction that is essential in a counsellor’s office is merely not feasible through computers or phones (Maples & Han, 2008). Therefore, in a therapeutic relationship, a lack of physical presence can impede the formation of a therapeutic alliance between the therapist and the patient. Misunderstandings can occur more frequently when there are no visual or auditory cues present, such as body language, tone of voice, or facial expressions. This suggests that boundaries are quite important in telepsychology. Counsellors and clients mostly communicate face-to-face through body language, posture, eye contact, and other nonverbal cues. Reading nonverbal cues is undoubtedly a crucial part of counselling. Since these nonverbal cues are invisible when receiving counselling online, their absence may compromise the effectiveness of the session.

Psychologists today are challenged as ethical decision makers by the ever-expanding development and use of digital technology in their own lives and in the lives of their clients. Boundaries are generally helpful from a clinical standpoint because they help clarify the nature of the therapeutic relationship and assist both the client and the clinician in controlling their conduct in a way that optimizes benefits and reduces risks (Borys, 1994). In addition, boundaries can support various other therapeutic goals such as creating a trustworthy working alliance, teaching the client assertiveness techniques, increasing the client’s sense of value (by honoring their autonomy and rights), and maintaining the integrity of the relationship (Borys, 1994; Smith & Fitzpatrick, 1995). Appropriate boundaries shield physicians from damage in addition to protecting the client.

BOUNDARY RELATED ISSUES
Time-related considerations and issues
Time boundary problems are not unusual in traditional in-person therapies; they usually manifest as early or late session arrivals, session extensions, meeting at strange or inappropriate hours, excessive contact outside of sessions, and booking specific clients for the last appointment of the day (Zur, 2007). These problems can definitely arise in telepsychology contexts as well, and they might even be more common because of the medium’s flexibility, the idea that it is convenient for both sides, and the possibility of a less controlled and regulated work environment.

Aspects and problems connected with settings
The adaptability of telepsychology and the capacity to work at any time and from any location offer one difficulty. Because of this flexibility, therapeutic interactions between clients and clinicians may occur in public places. While social interactions in public places might seem harmless at first, they can have serious repercussions. In addition to putting the client’s confidentiality at danger (for example, by using an insecure public internet connection or inadvertently letting others access the therapeutic discussions), the clinician can face legal and professional repercussions for their actions. Apart from jeopardizing the client’s anonymity, this could potentially undermine the therapeutic gains since the surrounding stimuli could operate as distractions and hinder the client’s ability to fully comprehend the therapeutic material.

Considerations and issues specific to the therapist
Boundary difficulties can also develop in other contexts that are unique to the therapist, such as when the therapist faces challenges to their own self-imposed limits, when they are concerned with language and phrase choices, or when they are concerned with safeguarding their work. Regarding obstacles to one’s own personal limits, specialists may find themselves working at hours that they would not ordinarily work due to the flexibility that telepsychology services allow.

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Be mindful of the session times and observe professional hours.

  • Make sure that feedback is given on time and consistently, and their is control over communication.

  • Establish a Confidential, Uniform, Expert, and Culturally Appropriate Environment.

  • Protect Non-Clients’ Privacy and Avoid Inadvertent Self-Disclosures.

  • Make Sure the Technologies Used for Telecommunication Project Professionalism.

  • Establish Proper Self-Boundaries.

  • Protect the Therapist’s Work Privacy.

  • Speak professionally and take into account alternate interpretations.

  • Assure Competence in Telepsychology Practice

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines, published by the Indian government lately, legitimize teleconsultations. However, there is not much discussion of psychotherapy methods in these guidelines. These evolving psychotherapy delivery technologies will raise an increasing number of moral and legal questions. Concerns regarding the safety of therapists are also raised by the paucity of research documenting instances of harassment experienced by them in virtual environments. Few psychologists are equipped to handle such difficult circumstances since the ethical concerns raised when clients threaten, stalk, or harass their psychotherapists online have typically received little attention in the literature. Thus, both the patient and the therapist will benefit from greater research in this field.

References

Borys, D. S. (1994). Maintaining therapeutic boundaries: The motive is therapeutic effectiveness, not defensive practice. Ethics & Behavior, 4(3), 267-273.

Drum, Katherine B. and Littleton, Heather L. (2014). Therapeutic boundaries in telepsychology: Unique issues and best practice recommendations. Professional Psychology Research and Practice, 45(3); 309-315.

Hudson-Allez, G. (2006). The stalking of psychotherapists by current or former clients: Beware of the insecurely attached!. Psychodynamic Practice, 12(3), 249-260.

Kotera, Y., Kaluzeviciute, G., Lloyd, C., Edwards, A. M., & Ozaki, A. (2021). Qualitative investigation into therapists’ experiences of online therapy: Implications for working clients. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(19), 10295.

Lokai, A. D., Liqiaonan, C., Terry, K., Eubanks, C. F., & Muran, C. (2021). Transitioning to virtual space: Teletherapy in the time of COVID-19. Psychotherapy Bulletin, 56(2), 29-34.

Maples, M. F., & Han, S. (2008). Cybercounselling in the United States and South Korea: Implications for counselling college students of the millennial generation and the networked generation. Journal of Counselling & Development, 86(2), 178-183.

Mateescu, V. M. (2021). Distance and boundaries issues in the transition from face-to-face talking therapy to online therapy in the time of Covid-19. Studia Universitatis Babes-Bolyai-Sociologia, 66(2), 113-123.

Mondal, I., Anand, N., Sharma, M. K., Kohli, T., Thakur, P. C., Kande, J. S., … & Ajith, S. J.

(2020). Telephonic psychotherapy in India: A reminder of challenges in times of COVID-19. Asian journal of psychiatry, 53, 102432.

Smith, D., & Fitzpatrick, M. (1995). Patient-therapist boundary issues: An integrative review of theory and research. Professional psychology: research and practice, 26(5), 499. Stoll, J., Müller, J. A., & Trachsel, M. (2020). Ethical issues in online psychotherapy: A narrative review. Frontiers in psychiatry, 10, 498439.

Wu, K. S., & Sonne, J. L. (2021). Therapist boundary crossings in the digital age: Psychologists’ practice frequencies and perceptions of ethicality. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 52(5), 419.

::TSI Activities from Around the Country::

Dr. Umashankar S. Hony. Secretary

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines Training Program

Prof. (Dr) Umashankar S.
Managing Director Med.Bot | Honorary Secretary, Telemedicine Society of India

 

The Telemedicine Society of India organized a Fundamental Course on Telemedicine Practice Guidelines in Madurai at Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre and Aravind Eye Hospitals on June 22nd and 23rd, 2024, respectively. The half-day training program began with a pre-test, followed by a session on “Enhancing healthcare through telemedicine—past, present, and future” by Dr. R. Kim, Chief Medical Officer and President of the Telemedicine Society of India. This was followed by a session on “Telemedicine Practice Guidelines” conducted by Dr. Umashankar S., Managing Director of Arogyayati Private Limited and Honorary Secretary of the Telemedicine Society of India. Dr. Chandrashekar, Head of NABH, led a session on “medical prescriptions”. The program concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session and a post-test.

A total of 92 participants attended the training program in hybrid mode from various locations, including Madurai, Theni, Tirunelveli, Pondicherry, Chennai, Coimbatore, and West Bengal. The attendees comprised doctors, managers, program coordinators, and health workers involved in telemedicine practice. At the end of the program, participants were issued completion certificates. The mean pre-test score was 6 out of 15 and the mean post-test score was 12 out of 15. Analysis of the pre-test and post-test revealed that there was an increase in the knowledge level of Telemedicine Practice Guidelines.

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Ankur-Mittal_v1

Webinar on “Urological Cancers – Close the Care Gap”

Dr. Ankur Mittal,
All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh – Urology
MBBS, MS, MCh (Urology)|Secretary, TSI-Uttarakhand State Chapter

Department of Urology, AIIMS Rishikesh in association with Telemedicine society of India UK Chapter has successfully organized a comprehensive Social Awareness Program titled “Urological Cancers – Close the Care Gap” on 13th July 2024 at Main Auditorium, AIIMS Rishikesh to raise awareness and educate the public about urological cancers. The event was graced by the Honorable Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (Retd.), and saw active participation from the medical community, cancer survivors, and the general public.

Objectives
The primary objectives of the program were:

  1. Raising Awareness and Educational Outreach: Educate the public on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for urological cancers.

  2. Promoting Early Detection: Encourage individuals to seek medical advice promptly when symptoms arise.

  3. Support and Empowerment: Provide a platform for cancer survivors to share their experiences and inspire others.

  4. Community Engagement: Foster collaboration between healthcare providers, NGOs, and the public to launch a sustained awareness campaign.

Activities
The event was meticulously planned and included the following key activities:

  1. Inaugural Ceremony: The program was inaugurated by the chief guest, The Honorable Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh, along with AIIMS Rishikesh’s Executive director, Professor Meenu Singh. The ceremony marked the official start of the campaign to “Close the Care Gap”. The Honorable Secretary of Telemedicine Society of India, Mr. Umashankar S. was felicitated by the Organizing Secretary of the program, Dr. Ankur Mittal.

  2. Book Launch and Helpline Introduction: The Honorable Governor and dignitaries on dais unveiled a book on urological cancers, “Hope and Healing,” written in both Hindi and English to cater to a diverse audience. Additionally, a dedicated helpline number (8126542780) was launched to provide information and support to individuals affected by Urological Cancers

  3. Expert Talks: Prominent medical professionals, including Dr. Amlesh Seth (Head of the Department of Urology, AIIMS New Delhi) delivered insightful talks on the prevalence of urological cancers in Uttarakhand, the importance of early detection, and the latest advancements in treatment, including robotic surgeries.

  4. Survivor Testimonials: Cancer survivors shared their personal journeys of battling urological cancer. Their stories highlighted the significance of overcoming hesitation and seeking timely medical intervention.

  5. Interactive Sessions: The program featured interactive sessions where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions to experts and receive detailed answers about urological cancers. This segment aimed to clear misconceptions and provide accurate information to the public.

  6. Educational Material Distribution: Patient Information leaflets (both Hindi and English) about various urological cancers were distributed to attendees, providing crucial information on recognizing symptoms, understanding treatment option, and the importance of regular health check-ups.

  7. Cultural Program: A NukkadNatak (street play) performed by Nursing students of AIIMS Rishikesh creatively depicted the impact of Prostate cancer, engaging the audience in a meaningful way.

  8. New Innovative Technologies: Helpline number was launched via e-curtains and the public could download Patient Information Leaflets and the new book by scanning the QR codes displayed at the venue.

Outcomes
The “Urological Cancers – Close the Care Gap” program achieved significant outcomes:

  1. Enhanced Awareness: The program successfully raised awareness about urological cancers, particularly in the high Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand where the incidence is notably higher due to environmental factors.

  2. Increased Engagement: The launch of the helpline and the distribution of educational materials ensured that the public has continuous access to information and support.

  3. Empowered Survivors: The testimonials from cancer survivors provided hope and motivation to current patients, emphasizing that early detection and treatment can lead to successful outcomes.

  4. Collaborative Efforts: The event highlighted the importance of collective efforts involving healthcare professionals, NGOs, and the community to sustain an ongoing awareness campaign.

  5. Positive Feedback: The interactive sessions received positive feedback from attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to engage directly with experts and clarify their doubts.

  6. New Avenues: The program has opened up new options of collaborations between TSI, AIIMS Rishikesh and various NGOs for the benefit of patients.

In conclusion, the “Urological Cancers – Close the Care Gap” program, organized by the Department of Urology AIIMS Rishikesh in collaboration with Telemedicine Society of India UK Chapter, marked a significant step towards raising awareness, promoting early detection, and fostering a supportive community for individuals affected by urological cancers. The event’s success underscores the need for continued efforts to educate and empower the public in the fight against cancer.

Glimpses of the event
Raj+Raval

Webinar on “Seasonal Diseases – Rational Approach”

Dr. Raj Raval,
Founder & CEO Entel Healthtech | EC member-TSI Hqrs | President, TSI- Gujarat State Chapter

Date: 29th June 2024

Organizer: TSI- Gujarat State Chapter in association with ISCCM, IMA Gujarat

TSI Gujarat branch has organized webinar on ‘UPDATES ON SEASONAL DISEASES’ on 29th June 2024.

The meeting was well attended by all TSI members. It was also attended by members outside Gujarat.

Dr. Vivek Dave has delivered a talk on MONSOON DISEASES, Dr. Irsan Trivedi has discussed about SUMMER ILLNESSES, Dr. Raj Rawal has spoken about WINTER DISEASES. The webinar is well conducted by Dr. Chinmay Shah.

It was very interactive and informative session.

TSI Gujarat members have discussed about membership drive, various activities and future plans.

::ANNOUNCEMENTS::

To Register for the conference visit https://www.telemedicon2024.com/

Telemedicine – News from India & Abroad

AI-Powered Video Test Revolutionizes Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis
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factors such as income………. Read More

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New study investigates how convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can enhance nasal endoscopy accuracy and efficiency…….. Read More

 
Click here to Become a Member of Telemedicine Society of India

Telemedicine Practice Guidelines – A Foundation Course for RMPs by TSI Faculty

To know more about the Telemedicine Foundation Course click on the link below:
https://tsitn.org/tpg-course/

TSI invites all the TSI Chapters and Members to submit information on their upcoming Webinar or Events (50 words), News related to Telemedicine (200 words) or short articles (500 words) for the monthly e-newsletter.Guidelines for submission to TSI Newsletter-

  • Report can be from 500 to 600 words
  • Report Should be relevant to Telemedicine or Medical Informatics
  • No promotion of self or any product
  • Avoid plagiarism
  • All references should be included
  • Provide any attributions
  • Visuals are welcome including video links
  • Send full authors name, degrees, affiliations along with a passport sized photograph of good resolution. If multiple authors only main author photo to be sent.

Submission may be sent to – tsigrouptn@gmail.com
Editors reserve the rights for accepting and publishing any submitted material.

Editor in Chief – Dr. Sunil Shroff
Editors – Dr. Senthil Tamilarasan & Dr. Sheila John
Technical Partner- https://www.medindia.net