Advances in technology have brought about major changes in our daily lives. The healthcare sector is no exception. Where previously, we had to stand in long lines at the hospital to get treatment, now it is possible to get a doctor's consultation from home through telemedicine. But the question is, can this be an alternative to going directly to the hospital for treatment in the future?
The popularity of telemedicine increased the most during the Corona pandemic. At that time, hospitals and clinics were filled with patients, and many were afraid to go out for fear of infection. At that time, experienced doctors were providing free telemedicine services through various healthcare apps. I myself took advantage of this service several times and realized how effective it can be. Advice could be easily obtained on problems like fever, cold, cough, headache and many other health problems, which was a huge help for us.
Telemedicine was important not only during the pandemic. A few days ago, I faced an urgent problem with a colleague in my office. One night, he suddenly started having severe pain in his ear. The problem was, I could not find any transportation to go anywhere at that time. There were two of us, but neither of us could ride a bike. I couldn't figure out what to do in this situation. We were forced to consult a doctor through a healthcare app. The doctor asked some questions online, understood his problem, and recommended medicine. After taking the medicine, he felt much better. From this experience, I realized that telemedicine can really be a lifesaver at times.
Image SourceHowever, telemedicine also has some limitations. For example, in case of complex diseases, virtual consultation alone is not enough. The doctor may need to perform a direct physical examination, perform some specific tests, or observe the patient's body language. Moreover, not everyone can easily avail this service due to problems with internet connectivity in remote areas.
However, in the future, these limitations will be greatly reduced with advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and remote monitoring devices. Doctors will be able to diagnose diseases more accurately with modern cameras, sensors, and smart devices.
All in all, although telemedicine is not a complete alternative to direct treatment, it will become an important part of healthcare. It can be a blessing, especially in emergency situations, for busy people, and for patients in areas with poor infrastructure. If it is further developed in the future, it could reduce the need for hospital visits in many cases.
