In Koforidua, Ghana, a 46-year-old man named Charles Owusu Aseku has been on a lengthy journey to find treatment for a keloid growth on his neck since 2002. After two unsuccessful surgeries and a fruitless trip to South Africa, he faced mounting frustration. However, in a turn of events, Aseku recently participated in a groundbreaking trial of a 3D telemedicine technology designed to help patients in need of medical consultations.
This innovative initiative, developed by Microsoft’s research team in collaboration with local medical professionals, aims to provide virtual consultations for patients awaiting surgery or needing follow-up care. This is particularly vital in Ghana, where the ratio of doctors to patients is alarmingly low.
The project operates from a specially equipped van, which travels to rural areas where specialized medical care is often unavailable. Inside the van, advanced cameras create a 3D model of each patient, displayed on a large screen, allowing multiple doctors from various locations to assess the patient’s condition virtually.
Spencer Fowers, a principal software developer at Microsoft Research and lead on the telemedicine project, emphasized the importance of reaching remote communities: “The idea behind the van is to allow it to travel to those remote villages that don’t have specialized care.”
Aseku’s session featured input from doctors in Rwanda, Scotland, and Brazil, providing him with different perspectives that he found encouraging. He expressed optimism about the possibility of finding a solution to his condition, highlighting the collaborative nature of this modern approach.
The trial at the Koforidua Regional Hospital is just the beginning, with hopes to expand the service further. As telemedicine gains traction, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, it becomes increasingly clear how beneficial such technologies can be for African nations facing a shortage of specialists.
Another patient, George Opoku, aged 68, shared his experience. He had previously traveled nearly 100 kilometers to seek care for a rare cancer, sarcoma. Learning about the 3D telemedicine trial allowed him to avoid additional expenses and stress. “I am hopeful that they will discuss and cure me of my condition,” he said after his consultation, showing a spirit of optimism.
However, the project faces challenges, particularly in terms of stable internet access in many remote areas of Africa. At the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, where the technology has been implemented for plastic surgery consultations, Dr. Kwame Darko noted that this innovation could help patients see multiple doctors in one session, a much-needed improvement given the shortage of plastic surgeons.
Dr. Ahensan Dasebre, who leads a residency program at the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre, emphasized the potential of telemedicine to connect patients in remote areas with quality care. “If someone is in a remote part of town and needs specialized services, telemedicine can bridge that gap,” he said.
As this telemedicine initiative grows, it offers hope for better healthcare access for individuals in underserved communities in Ghana and potentially beyond, emphasizing the need for progressive solutions to healthcare challenges.
