The Practice of Telemedicine and Challenges to the Regulatory Authorities (Report‪)‬

Scarcity of health care practitioners is experienced around the world. The situation seems worse in African countries, as reported by the Department of Health in South Africa. A report issued in March 2008 highlights the fact that Africa carries 24% of the world's disease burden with only 3% of the world's health workers. (1) It is because of situations like this that telemedicine is practised all over the world. Through telemedicine it is possible for health care practitioners to exchange information about patients' conditions without the patient having to travel from one area to another. Health care disciplines in which this practice is growing the fastest include radiology, pathology and dermatology. Telemedicine is also used for education and training of health care practitioners. In providing quality care for patients, the practice of telemedicine ensures that advice or service by appropriately trained and qualified practitioners is made available. Successful implementation and combating of diseases through the practice of telemedicine are reported from low-income and developing countries such as sub-Saharan Africa and India. What poses a challenge to the regulatory authorities is how this practice should be regulated, as it has grown to the extent that it is being practised across the borders of countries and continents. The Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights was adopted on 19 October 2005, at the 33rd session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)'s General Assembly. (2) The declaration affirms that 'ethical issues raised by the rapid advances in science and their technological applications should be examined with due respect to the dignity of the human person and universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedom'.