The Goa government is reportedly planning to introduce telemedicine services to improve access to healthcare by enabling patients to share their recent blood test results and other medical reports with doctors online and receive medical advice and prescriptions without visiting hospitals. While the initiative could prove beneficial in making healthcare more accessible and convenient, it also raises an important question. Can online consultations replace a physical visit to a doctor? There is no denying that modern technology has transformed several aspects of our lives, and healthcare is no exception. Telemedicine can be particularly useful for people living in remote areas, elderly patients who find travelling difficult, and those seeking follow-up consultations for existing conditions. It can save time, reduce travel expenses and ease the burden on overcrowded hospitals. However, convenience should not come at the cost of proper medical assessment. Healthcare is fundamentally different from other services that can be delivered online. A doctor does not diagnose an illness merely by studying blood reports or other medical documents. Physical examination, observation of symptoms and direct interaction with the patient often play a crucial role in identifying the actual cause of an illness. Depending solely on online reports could sometimes result in an incomplete assessment, a missed diagnosis or inappropriate medication. In the past, family doctors were an integral part of society. They knew their patients, understood their medical histories and, whenever necessary, even visited them at home. People generally approached hospitals when an illness required more specialised attention. Although healthcare has evolved considerably, the importance of the doctor-patient relationship remains unchanged. Online consultations can be encouraged for routine follow-ups and situations where a physical examination is not necessary. However, patients must be referred for in-person examinations whenever symptoms, medical history or the doctor’s assessment warrant it. Healthcare is not simply another online service. It involves human lives. Technology can strengthen the healthcare system, but it cannot eliminate the need for physical examinations and direct interaction between doctors and patients. Goa’s telemedicine initiative should aim to bring doctors closer to patients, not make healthcare increasingly distant from the human touch.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
