Support using telemedicine services is progressing in areas affected by the Kumamoto Earthquake, but challenges remain with local preparedness and communications infrastructure. Attention is turning to future operating conditions and areas for improvement.
In areas affected by the Kumamoto Earthquake, efforts are under way to provide medical support using telemedicine services. Reports describe attempts to provide remote consultations and advice from specialist physicians without dispatching them to the affected areas, helping to address shortages of medical resources.
However, uncertainty remains over the level of preparedness in the affected areas. Establishing operating systems at medical facilities and completing advance coordination smoothly have been identified as challenges. It has been noted that, depending on how well preparations are completed, the ability to respond quickly could be impaired.
Communications infrastructure has also been identified as a challenge, with stable connections and sufficient bandwidth required in disaster-affected areas. There is a view that communications infrastructure will determine the outcome of telemedicine in actual operations.
Going forward, the focus is expected to be on expanding field demonstration cases and improving infrastructure, including standardising advance preparations and upgrading communications infrastructure. Further reports are awaited.