E-health and telemedicine are the only tools that guarantee us that health will be boundless; this means that, anywhere in the world, we can have access to the same healthcare system and get almost the same health information with the use of information and communication technology.
When I say that health should have no boundaries I mean that, by simply using a mobile smartphone or computer, a person can access the best health information from all over the world, regardless of which continent that person comes from; even the African continent is not left out. It is high time for people to have no need for a visa or passport to access the best health care; through e-health and telemedicine.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A BORDERLESS HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
The use of paper is very much time consuming and generates more costs, especially when information needs to be transferred or shared from one hospital to the next or, rather, from one country to another without the use of information and communication technology.
For instance:
“If one had to send information from Swaziland to Italy, it would take more than a week to transport it via a courier and reach its destiny if it was in a paper form”.
E-health has made it possible for us to access health information at any time from every part of the globe. Now, even in hospitals, most information is digitised and records are kept on and shared through computers. A paperless hospital therefore promotes the idea that “health should know no boundaries”.
E-health is thought to play a major role in preventing the occurrence of disease and also in promoting health. When we say that health should be boundless, we mean that health information should be spread far and wide and that everyone should have access to it, especially when preventive measures are communicated through these platforms. People should learn and implement those measures, thus achieving a healthy society.
In our time, the general public can get health information from the internet; this includes dieting, exercise, and any other information about some conditions. This is effected through the use of information and communication technology.
Furthermore, healthcare workers are able to get information about their patients from what are called electronic medical records and electronic health records. The use of the clinical decision support system also plays a huge role in providing healthcare workers with empowering information and also helps them to make good decisions, therefore providing quality healthcare.
Conclusion
It is up to everyone to step forward and ensure that health is boundless and reaches everyone, regardless of the social, race, age, sex, wealth, and economic or development status.
Noxolo Zwane
Master in E-Health Management
