Telemedicine in South Africa: New Investments, New Opportunities

Digigone • April 3, 2019

In South Africa this year, telecommunications companies Rain and Nokia announced that they intend to roll out 5G network services across the country through 2019 and 2020. This is not only welcome news to South Africa’s growing population of 56.72 million residents, but also for healthcare providers in the region. A widespread, fast mobile network will make it easier to deliver telemedicine through remote video retrieval to areas of greatest need in the country.

It is estimated that across the African continent, 60% of people live in rural areas where healthcare infrastructure can be largely absent. Certainly in South Africa, social services tend to be clustered in cities where access and wealth go hand-in-hand. For those living outside urban centers, getting medical attention can be extremely difficult. Mobile telemedicine represents a growing opportunity to create jobs in South Africa, and ensure the entire population has equal access to healthcare services.

A recent report suggested that one of the biggest threats to the economy across the continent was malaria: a curable and often preventable disease, but one that normally requires a hospital stay that puts workers out of commission. In rural areas, malaria becomes more serious. Without medical attention the disease can be lethal, especially to children and seniors.

Telemedicine kits have a high ROI: They are not only useful in emergencies, but can connect people living in rural areas to a doctor for more minor concerns, or for ongoing care and monitoring of chronic conditions. With new high speed networks on the way, mobile telemedicine is becoming not just a nice-to-have for emergency healthcare services in rural areas, but a genuine option for delivering equal quality of care to South Africans across the country. Ideally, those living in rural and underserved areas could have access to a family doctor through a local telemedicine kit station, and be able to develop the kind of relationship with a doctor that those living in urban areas enjoy. Ongoing health monitoring leads to better outcomes: A healthier population strengthens the economy and leads to greater opportunities for all of Africa.

By Mike Dunleavy February 4, 2025
Telemedicine kits are becoming indispensable tools for home healthcare providers, particularly during transition care medical examinations (TCMs). While the initial TCM is conducted by a physician who generates revenue from the service, the telemedicine kit significantly benefits home healthcare providers by expediting patient registration for their care services. With a nurse or medical assistant deploying the kit, patients can be quickly evaluated and connected with a physician, ensuring all necessary documentation and approvals are completed more efficiently. This faster onboarding process allows home healthcare providers to register more patients in less time, helping them deliver care sooner and grow their services efficiently. The ability to “bring the doctor” to the patient through a telemedicine kit is invaluable in initiating care seamlessly. Once patients are on board, home healthcare providers can continue leveraging telemedicine technology to improve how they deliver services. The kits enable nurses and medical assistants to perform follow-up visits, diagnostics, and real-time consultations without requiring patients to leave their homes. This capability allows providers to optimize their schedules and visit more patients daily, all while maintaining a high standard of care. The efficiency gained means better coverage, smarter use of resources, and happier patients. Beyond efficiency, telemedicine kits help providers build stronger connections with their patients by making care more accessible and personalized. Providers can quickly respond to emerging health concerns, adjust care plans, and ensure ongoing monitoring—all from the patient’s home. This not only leads to better patient outcomes but also boosts the provider’s reputation for being reliable and innovative. By facilitating the registration of more patients and enhancing care once they are onboarded, telemedicine kits are powerful tools that enable home healthcare providers to expand their reach, improve operational efficiency, and thrive in an increasingly competitive market. In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, telemedicine kits are revolutionizing how home healthcare providers deliver care, enabling faster patient onboarding, enhanced service delivery, and stronger connections with patients. By integrating this indispensable technology, providers can streamline operations, improve patient outcomes, and position themselves as leaders in care innovation. Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your home healthcare services. Explore how telemedicine kits can help you expand your reach, optimize your resources, and deliver exceptional care. Contact us today to learn more and take the next step toward transforming your care delivery model.
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