The world over, the popularity of telemedicine spiked during the Covid pandemic, growing 78 times in April 2020, a few months after the disease struck, according to a McKinsey study. In some parts of Africa, it was a great opportunity for telemedicine to make new inroads. But in Uganda, the industry had already taken off, […]
Five innovators and a whole new meaning of telemedicine in Uganda
May 5, 2021 A doctor carries out a physical examination at the clinic
Eight years ago, five young medical entrepreneurs introduced the telemedicine concept in Uganda. Dubbed Rocket Health, the venture was met with some skepticism from some funders and stakeholders but its strategy to bring to people’s doorsteps is narrowing the gap between doctor and patient. As Ernest Jjingo writes, telemedicine could be the much-awaited innovation in the healthcare sector.
DEVELOPING THE IDEA
Dr Davis Musinguzi, the founder and managing director of The Medical Concierge Group (TMGG)/Rocket Health which undertakes telemedicine services, says telemedicine involves the use of information, communication technologies and smart medical devices to deliver healthcare to patients at a remote location.