The program facilitates Dr. Olander treating and examining patients via video conferencing technology from New Providence while the patients remain in Abaco. The success of this Telemedicine program has exceeded the expectations of officials within the Ministry of Health. Of those 42 patients examined and treated, physicians detected that three patient’s required biopsy. One patient diagnosed with skin cancer is presently being treated. This facility has proven invaluable as it saves time and allows immediate intervention in medical cases, improving patient treatment options. This also means hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings to patients eliminating the need to travel between a Family Island and New Providence even as far as the United States for specialist care.
Read more: BS: Tele-medicine program successfully underway in Abaco
This was confirmed by India’s High Commissioner to The Bahamas and Jamaica, Mohinder S. Grover.
He was in Nassau last weekend for the signing of a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) between The Bahamas and India.
Mr. Grover was accompanied by State Bank of India officials Vikas Chandra, chief executive officer, and Vijay Panda, manager.
The idea that one can apply for a birth certificate or for a driver's licence by the click of a mouse is forward thinking by the government.
The potential for such a concept is limitless.
While this will reduce the size of lines in various government agencies, Minister of State for Finance Zhivargo Laing said instead of reducing the number of workers needed, he envisions the program leading to more job opportunities for Bahamians.
"Downsizing is not an issue," Laing noted.
Read more: Bahamas: E-Government expected to promote efficiency in government sector
The modernization initiative for Government departments will take advantage of the Internet by making services available online, thereby increasing efficiency amongst Government agencies.
The Ministry of Finance held a town meeting Thursday night at the Foster B. Pestaina Centre to acquaint the public with the system that is expected to be launched in July 2011.
Read more: Bahamas: E-Government predicted to on stream by July 2011