Highlighting the potential of telemedicine with TeleMedicine Society of Telangana

SHIKHA DUGGAL
A colloquium was held at the TSI Telangana headquarters in Hyderabad by the Telangana Chapter of the Telemedicine Society of India, a scientific society devoted to advancing telemedicine at the national level. Dr. Lalitha Reddy Palle, the former vice president of the TeleMedicine Society of Telangana, tells us everything there is to know about the history of the Telangana Chapter and more.
“My early experiences in healthcare played a pivotal role in recognising the immense potential of telemedicine as a transformative force,” she says. “Observing the difficulties people encounter in getting timely and specialised medical care, particularly in rural or underdeveloped areas, highlighted the need for creative solutions. One of the main motivators was the discovery that telemedicine could cross geographic boundaries and provide patients with access to medical knowledge. My interest for discovering accessible and patient-centric solutions was stoked by my early meetings with patients who faced obstacles such as lack of transportation, distance, or other difficulties in accessing healthcare services,” says the former lecturer, who appeared to be a really knowledgeable person.
She became actively involved in the Telemedicine Society of Telangana because she was driven to address these gaps and enhance healthcare accessibility, and because she had a platform at Yashoda Hospitals to do so. It seemed only fitting that she would join this organization given her commitment to using technology to improve the delivery of healthcare. The goal of the society matched her ambition to ensure that everyone, wherever they may be in the world, had access to high-quality healthcare. She went on, “I found like-minded professionals in the Telemedicine Society of Telangana to share insights and contribute to the advancement of telemedicine initiatives. It has been encouraging and motivating to be a part of a community that actively works to maximise technology’s potential for healthcare empowerment. In the end, my passion for telemedicine sprang from my fervent confidence in its revolutionary potential to improve healthcare delivery, as well as my desire to actively help realize this dream.”
She also established PuraVida Wellness in 2020 to provide natural ingredient-based solutions that helped prevent illness. Aether Mindtech, her second business endeavor, was founded in 2022. “I am a physician who turned entrepreneur, currently serving as advisor and consultant for Aether Mindtech, a health tech startup that made news recently when it unveiled Evolv28, a wearable medical gadget for preventive care. As a member of the latter’s founding team, I have a major influence on the research efforts directed towards developing and testing it, that uses magnetic micropulses to stimulate the brain in order to ensure mental wellness,” she disclosed.
Telemedicine is not going anywhere. She envisions telemedicine having a varied and revolutionary role in shaping Telangana’s overall healthcare landscape, drawing on her considerable knowledge in both clinical practice and healthcare administration. Leading the effort to treat COVID patients with mild to moderate symptoms in the comfort of their own homes was one of her most important accomplishments during her time in Yashoda Hospital. Amid widespread panic and lockdowns in the early months of 2020, hospitals were overrun with nervous COVID-19 positive patients. This difficult time brought attention to the need of PPEs, masks, and medical staff, among other necessary supplies. “We at Yashoda Group of Hospitals successfully advocated for and implemented telemedicine solutions to manage and monitor COVID patients at home at this juncture,” she went on. This innovative strategy demonstrated the value of telehealth in providing continuous care during emergencies while also relieving the burden on overburdened healthcare facilities. Additionally, during that crucial time, they concentrated on providing telehealth services to people with chronic illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, and mental health issues. This helped telemedicine significantly advance not only in Telangana but the entire nation! This event highlighted the adaptability and durability of telehealth services, proving their capacity to provide high-quality medical treatment even under trying situations.
What else was there for her to say? Well, “I have always prioritized integrating technology into medical education. 2020 saw a major transition in medical education toward online platforms, such as journal clubs, online case discussions, and virtual classes. This shift was especially noticeable in fields like radiology and diagnostics, where online systems made reporting and reports accessible from any location. It’s important to recognize the gaps in the realm of medical education, nevertheless. Even if conversations and theoretical components can be efficiently supported by online platforms, bedside examinations and direct patient learning remain vital experiences that require hands-on practice. For example, surgeons learn much of their abilities in operating rooms. Thus unquestionably, tele education plays a significant role in medical education, contributing significantly to its theoretical foundation. Still, it is critical to acknowledge its existing shortcomings, especially with regard to offering the practical, patient-centered experience that is fundamental to medical education.”
Beyond consultations, telemedicine services include electronic prescription services, secure digital health data, and remote monitoring for long-term ailments. This all-encompassing method guarantees treatment continuity while enabling patients to take an active role in their own health management. “We have been able to eliminate geographic gaps and provide underprivileged communities with direct access to healthcare services thanks to telemedicine programs. Telehealth-capable mobile clinics have made it possible to conduct remote consultations, diagnostic assessments, and health education programs, guaranteeing that even people living in remote locations may access prompt, high-quality medical care. Through the utilization of digital platforms, we have facilitated online seminars, awareness campaigns, and training sessions, enabling nearby communities to take an active role in preserving their well-being. All things considered, the incorporation of telemedicine into outreach and humanitarian initiatives has enhanced healthcare accessible while also providing marginalized groups with the information and tools necessary to achieve better health outcomes. Technology and community involvement together have shown to be a potent force in reducing healthcare inequities and promoting long-lasting beneficial effects,” she shared some insightful observations while expressing her love for volunteer work in the community.