Healthcare is constantly evolving, and the development of data transmission technologies has become a useful tool for fulfilling the Hippocratic mandate to heal. Telemedicine has thus become an affordable model for delivering healthcare services remotely.

Although it may seem like a recent concept, the truth is that it is an area that has been worked on for decades. As early as the beginning of the 19th century, attempts were made to send radiographic images via telegraphy.

Today, it is possible to conduct medical consultations in real time using cameras, microphones, mobile phones, or computers. Likewise, surgical procedures can be performed using robots controlled by surgeons located in places different from where the intervention takes place.

In Cuba, there are hospitals that implement this tool, especially for radiological image telediagnosis, in-person consultations, and second opinions. The Cuban Medical Services Marketing Company (CSMC, S.A.) systematically leverages the benefits of telemedicine to assist foreign patients seeking access to medical services on the Island.

Among the various applications of this form of care, Cuba offers tele-advisory services, real-time teleconsultations with experts from any specialty within the Ministry of Public Health, and radiological image telediagnosis, mainly available at the Hermanos Ameijeiras General Hospital.

“Virtual advisory services make it possible to establish a connection between the patient, their family, and the specialist who will provide care. In this way, they obtain detailed, scientific information that helps them decide whether to travel for treatment,” explained Dr. Ileana Reyes Álvarez, Head of International Sales at CSMC, S.A.

“It should not be forgotten that these are generally people with serious illnesses, so traveling to another country could endanger their lives.”

Regarding real-time teleconsultation, Dr. Aliuska Venegas Godinez, an oncologist at the La Pradera International Health Center, stated that it is an indispensable complement to in-person medical consultations and enhances the quality of services provided in healthcare institutions.

“With this tool, we have a comfortable, safe, and confidential method to establish a relationship with the patient, clarify doubts about their treatment, and assess their health status.

“For patients, it is important to connect with the specialist who will treat them: it builds trust and helps them feel more secure once they arrive in the country for care.

“Furthermore, oncology patients, for example, are often fragile while undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and should not travel during that period. This system is a valuable alternative when in-person visits are not possible.”

The development of technology and the quality of the equipment used are just as important in telemedicine as the relationship between the patient and the doctor. In this regard, it is essential to have digital devices such as mobile phones, tablets, computers, or televisions that can connect to the internet.

Likewise, connectivity must be optimal to ensure clear communication between both parties, and it must be secure and confidential, as the privacy of patients’ medical data must be protected.

“These data are stored on secure servers and run through a platform evaluated and certified with the appropriate security levels. However, we are currently working on the construction, development, and programming of a Cuban telemedicine platform. This will ensure that servers and the information stored on them are even better protected and receive the ethical and professional handling they require, in accordance with international regulations,” emphasized Dr. Ileana Reyes Álvarez, Head of International Sales at CSMC, S.A.

“In Cuban institutions where this service will be offered,” she added, “conditions for telemedicine are guaranteed; appropriate equipment is available, and there is high-quality image transmission and sound clarity.”

By: Yanel Blanco Miranda