In the past few years, a number of telemedicine vendors have entered the local market. This is a good indication that we are moving forward and evolving to incorporate digital health into the healthcare ecosystem. We still have a little way to go but we are on the right track.
There is no doubt that the world is changing dramatically, and Jamaica is not being left behind. Gone are the days when you have to stand in line at a store to purchase goods and acquire services. Jamaicans are now living in a technologically advanced world where we can do anything and go anywhere without changing our physical location. We now speak about life as if we are on an assembly line where efficiency is paramount and saving time and money crucial. This transformation is also taking place in the health care industry. Telemedicine is set to take off globally and will allow us to access health care anyplace, anytime.
Very soon, seriously ill Jamaicans will be able to stay in bed and use their smartphones to get home delivery of their medication from the pharmacy.
It will even get better when the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) gets connected to the electronic hub, and individuals who leave the hospital, but still need medical attention, can stay at home and get the same attention without having to move a leg.
