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2000 - 2010
Picture Archiving & Communication Systems
Filmless Future The evolution of picture archiving and communication systems has allowed for image access anytime, anywhere
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he field of radiology and the concept of Picture Archiving & Communication Systems (PACS) have undergone tremendous technological growth over the last decade. Imaging procedures such as CT, MRI and PET scan have become more complex over the years, leading to generation of a huge amount of medical imaging data that is simply impossible to interpret, if available in printed films format. The application of PACS today is not limited just to the field of radiology. Rather it encompasses various clinical disciplines including cardiology, pathology, orthopaedics, ophthalmology and dental. PACS has been effectively able to fulfill all needs of the medical imaging world. It not only saves the time spent on film processing and handling, but it also eliminates the need for physical storage space required for storing imaging reports. Moreover, it saves the huge sum of money spent on offsets films and chemicals. PACS is equally beneficial for patients as it helps in faster diagnosis and treatment plan. It also eliminates the need for repeated procedures due to lost films and reports as everything is available in digital format. More features and advanced visualization techniques are the future of this exciting and vibrant segment.
Fact File n PACS market is on the cusp of high growth in India n As per eHEALTH research, the total PACS market in India is valued at USD 6 million n The market segments bundled PACS and modular PACS are valued at USD 4.2 million and USD 1.8 million respectively
Rajiv Aarogyasri Health Insurance Scheme
Power to Poor The Rajiv Aarogyasri Scheme has given the BPL population of Andhra Pradesh the promise of a healthy future
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“Use of ICTs for monitoring the scheme has been a success and the enthusiasm of the government can be observed by its growing financial allocations”
Babu A CEO, Aarogyasri Healthcare Trust
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he Andhra Pradesh based Rajiv Aarogyasri health insurance scheme has been one of the most successful government endeavors for providing health cover to the BPL population. According to Babu A, CEO, Aarogyasri Healthcare Trust, “the scheme started with a `50 crore budget in 2007, which was further increased to `450 crore in 2008-09 and and more than `1000 crore in fiscal year 2009-10.” He further added that “Covering majority of the state population and most importantly including the lowest strata of human society, the scheme has proved to be inclusive in real terms.” A web-based solution has been designed for the scheme, which provides real time information about every individual patient, right from the moment somebody comes to a primary healthcare centre to his/her admission into a city hospital and till the time he/she is discharged after the medical treatment. Further, medical reports of every single patient are available online, which makes requirement of hard copy reports unnecessary at the time of follow-up. The scheme also runs a 24x7 operational call centre manned by doctors and paramedics and telephonic medical counseling is provided through toll free numbers—104 and 108.
> www.ehealthonline.org > January 2011