Telehealth growing fast worldwide despite hurdles: market researcher

The dearth of doctors in rural and remote areas will help spur the growth of the global market for telehealth technologies by 18.4 percent, year over year, between now and 2020.

That’s the projection of Ireland-based Research & Markets, which estimates the current international telehealth market at a bit under $18 billion.

In promoting its new study on the market, the firm pointed to rising numbers of smartphone users, aging populations and the ubiquity of chronic diseases as the basis for its forecast.

It cited uneven telecom availability, continuing reimbursement challenges and high operating costs as factors suppressing the market from meeting the surge in demand for its products and services at an even faster clip. 

Dave Pearson

Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.

Around the web

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.

The 24 members of the House Task Force on AI—12 reps from each party—have posted a 253-page report detailing their bipartisan vision for encouraging innovation while minimizing risks. 

Merck sent Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, an upfront payment of $112 million to license a new investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist. There could be many more payments to come if certain milestones are met.