Tunisia's Minister of Health, Mustafa Al-Ferjani, announced that over 3,000 patients have benefited from telemedicine services in the past year. This was revealed on the sidelines of the International Digital Health Conference in Tunis. The Minister emphasized that telemedicine has increased access to specialized care, with services available in over seven specialties. This development aims to promote equitable access to healthcare services.
The Minister of Health highlighted that the digital hospital has made significant progress, with over 100,000 remote scans conducted in 32 hospitals. This was made possible through the "scenar" technology, which enables remote medical imaging. The digital hospital has been instrumental in expanding access to healthcare services, particularly in specialized care. The Minister stressed that digitalization in healthcare is crucial for ensuring equitable access to services.
The International Digital Health Conference in Tunis brought together representatives from over 30 countries, as well as international and regional organizations. The conference aims to promote partnerships and agreements in digital health. The event also saw the participation of experts and officials, who discussed the latest developments and innovations in digital health. The conference is expected to lead to new collaborations and initiatives in the field.
The Minister of Health emphasized the importance of evaluating artificial intelligence in real-world settings. He noted that AI should be used under human supervision to ensure its effectiveness and safety. This approach aims to harness the potential of AI in healthcare while minimizing risks. The Minister's comments reflect the need for a cautious and informed approach to the adoption of AI in healthcare.
The digital health conference also addressed concerns related to data protection and cybersecurity. With the increasing use of digital technologies in healthcare, there is a growing need to ensure the security and confidentiality of patient data. Experts at the conference emphasized the importance of implementing robust data protection measures to prevent breaches and unauthorized access.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is expected to play a key role in promoting digital health initiatives globally. The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, is set to participate in the conference, marking his first visit to Tunisia. The WHO's involvement is expected to provide a boost to digital health initiatives in the country and the wider region.
The Tunisian Ministry of Health is committed to expanding access to healthcare services through digital technologies. The Minister of Health emphasized that digitalization is a key strategy for promoting equitable access to healthcare. With over 3,000 patients already benefiting from telemedicine services, the Ministry aims to build on this success and expand digital health initiatives further.
Key points
- Over 3,000 patients in Tunisia have benefited from telemedicine services in the past year.
- The digital hospital has conducted over 100,000 remote scans in 32 hospitals.
- The International Digital Health Conference in Tunis aims to promote partnerships and agreements in digital health.
