‘Telemedicine, future of Ghana’s healthcare delivery’
By Abdulai SAAKA, Accra
Dr. Samuel Amoako-Kusi, Founder and Team Lead of Edok, a pioneering telemedicine mobile application, has called on government to prioritize investment in the nation’s internet infrastructure to improve access to healthcare services in underserved rural areas.
In an insightful interview on Zed in the Morning’s Science and Tech segment, Dr. Amoako-Kusi emphasized that reliable and affordable internet access is crucial for the growth of telemedicine and the effective delivery of healthcare.
As the world braces for an anticipated surge to 116 million patients accessing healthcare online by 2024, Dr. Amoako-Kusi highlighted the significant barrier that poor internet connectivity poses in Ghana. He asserted that strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure would not only facilitate better access to medical specialists for rural communities but also support the broader adoption of telemedicine technologies.
Dr. Amoako-Kusi proposed that the government could play a transformative role by investing in internet infrastructure and supporting startups like Edok, which are dedicated to advancing telemedicine. “We should start as Ghanaians looking into how we will utilize these services to enhance our healthcare system,” he stated during the interview. He suggested that collaborations between telemedicine providers and unions, such as those representing teachers and firefighters, could help extend healthcare services to their members in remote areas.
He also pointed out that integrating telemedicine with existing healthcare facilities could alleviate patient congestion at hospitals, allowing them to focus more on urgent cases. “Hospitals understand that we are complementary. If they utilize our platform, they can better manage patient flow and focus on emergency services,” Dr. Amoako-Kusi explained. He acknowledged that while the technology is still in its testing phase, overcoming initial hesitancies and refining the system will eventually lead to wider acceptance and integration within the traditional healthcare framework. Dr. Amoako-Kusi’s call to action underscores the urgent need for enhanced digital infrastructure to support the growing demand for telemedicine services and to improve healthcare delivery across Ghana.
