In perilous Syria, telemed goes where docs might be targets
As millions of Syrians struggle to survive the brutal civil war tearing apart their homeland—even after leaving their homes for ostensibly safer regions—medical personnel are among the most imperiled.
In fact, the U.S.-based group Physicians for Human Rights has estimated deliberate attacks on medical facilities at more than 350, with more than 700 healthcare workers killed since 2011.
Telemedicine is being creatively deployed to ease the strain, and writer JT Ripton has done a nice job compiling various reports on the efforts for the American Journal of Managed Care.
Telemedicine is “essential for treating Syrian refugees who don’t have access to specialist care, let alone the quality, regular follow-ups,” Rogy Masri, MD, a doctor stationed at a refugee camp in Lebanon, told Fast Company, as Ripton reported May 13.
Read the whole thing:
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.