Telemedicine is rapidly developing telecommunication technology to provide medical
information and services. The importance of telemedicine for neurosurgical emergencies
was established with the fact that majority of the neurosurgical specialists are practicing
in urban settings and in most of the rural areas, neurosurgical care is far off or
non-existing. Countries with inadequate health care must incorporate telemedicine
in their health care system. Telemedicine offers real benefits in a country as vast
as India, where the majority of the population lives in remote areas with no access
to even the most basic healthcare. Issues pertaining security, privacy, maintaining
standards, and legal aspects are relevant. A recommended set of standards and guidelines
for telemedicine needs to be set in place and constantly refined to promote the integrated
growth of telemedicine in the country. The paper discusses various issues, shortcomings,
and utility of telemedicine in India.
Key-words:
Tele-education - telemedicine - neurosurgical emergency
