The Free State Department of Health has successfully tested Cisco's telepresence solution, named HealthPresence, which aims to connect rural communities to hospitals and clinics.

During the trial period, Batho clinic patients were remotely treated by healthcare specialists at the Free State Department of Health Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein.

The telepresence solution was first demonstrated at the GovTech conference held in Durban during September, last year.

Aggrey Rantloane, regional public sector sales manager for Cisco SA, says: “As demands on public healthcare facilities increase in SA, connected healthcare is the way forward. It is therefore crucial to develop innovative and efficient technology solutions to manage escalating costs, accelerate field learning, and maximise the use of skilled resources.

“Cisco's HealthPresence solution improves collaboration among health workers, thereby allowing a greater facility for self-treatment and patient involvement in primary care to optimise the performance of healthcare services. The result will be a healthier and economically stronger nation.”

The Cisco HealthPresence solution creates a virtual environment similar to that of a hospital by sending video, audio, and medical information over an IP broadband connection to the healthcare facility.

According to Cisco, the HealthPresence solution removes the need for face-to-face consultation, and healthcare providers can manage hospital resources more efficiently and improve service delivery.

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