Telemedicine Services Launched In Bangladesh

November 3, 2009 2:45 p.m. EST

Dhaka, Bangladesh (AHN) - Telemedicine Reference Centre Limited (TRCL) in collaboration with Entra Health Systems of the U.S. has launched a mobile phone-based health (mHealth) service for diabetic patients under the brand name 'Amcare.'

Information Minister of Bangladesh Abul Kalam Azad launched the service in the capital, Dhaka on Tuesday. National Prof Dr MR Khan, also chairman of TRCL, Prof AK Azad Khan, president of Bangladesh Diabetic Association, Richard C Strobridge, Chief Executive Officer of Entra Health Systems, and Jon Danilowicz, acting deputy chief of mission, US embassy, also spoke.

People residing in Dhaka, Chittgong and Sylhet cities will come under the service coverage initially at a monthly charge ranging from US$8.68 (BDT 600) to $18.08 (BDT 1,250), the service providers said, adding that the service would be extended across the country in phases.

The first of its kind in Asia, mHealth includes routine home test of blood glucose level with a bluetooth glucometer connected to a mobile phone. After the use of glucometer, the result of blood glucose test will be transferred via mobile phone to the Amcare Diabetes Call Center.