AN ANALYSIS OF E-HEALTH IN PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITALS OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

  • Najam Afaq Qureshi Department of Pharmacy, SARHAD University Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
  • Qamar Afaq Qureshi Department of Public Administration, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
  • Kamran Ahmad Chishti Department of Pharmacy, SARHAD University Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
  • Ghulam Muhammad Kundi Department of Public Administration, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
  • Shadiullah Khan Department of Public Administration, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
  • Robina Akhtar Institute of Education & Research, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
  • Irfanullah Khan Department of Public Administration, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
Keywords: ICTs, Adoption, Use and Developing States.

Abstract

The use of eHealth technologies, including mobile health is spreading rapidly in the developing countries. According to World Health Organization (WHO), the use of mobile phones and computers is gaining momentum in developing nations. Majority of the programs that WHO looked at in Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania and Viet Nam, are identified as "technology enabled", meaning they used "information and communications technology" (ICT) to improve their healthcare systems. The leading technologies in this context are phones, computers, and texting. The latter fell into third place because so many people in these countries are illiterate. E-health systems are extending geographic access, data management, facilitating communications between patients and providers, and improving treatment and diagnosis. Among the leading types of tele-health in developing countries are "video chat" programs and phone "hotlines" that provide remote access to physicians. This research paper highlights the different aspects of eHealth systems in connection with adoption and use in developing countries.

Published
2014-12-30
Section
Articles