Telemedicine: the way forward for the health sector

Singapore

AN ageing population with increased healthcare needs is a major issue that Singapore has to tackle over the next 10 years. Recognising this, the recently released Infocomm Media 2025 Masterplan talks about Smart Health Assist, which envisages the use of technology to enable the elderly and patients with chronic illnesses to proactively monitor their health at home.

Singapore is not alone in looking for technology solutions to tackle health issues related to an ageing population. The global telehealth market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 18.4 per cent, from US$17.8 billion in 2014 through to 2020, according to a report by market research and consulting firm RNCOS. Telehealth refers to the delivery of healthcare services and information by the use of telecommunications technologies.