Crystabel Ukwuegbu
3D Telemedicine Expands Healthcare Access in Rural Ghana
For over two decades, Charles Owusu Aseku has battled with a persistent keloid growth on his neck. Despite undergoing two surgical procedures and investing substantial amounts in treatment, the condition has continually resurfaced. Now, he is participating in Ghana’s pioneering live trials of Microsoft’s 3D telemedicine technology, which aims to revolutionize patient care. This advanced system captures a three-dimensional view of Aseku’s condition, transmitting real-time images to medical professionals worldwide.
“In a regular hospital visit, you usually meet just one doctor,” Aseku explains. “But here, I have access to multiple doctors, each bringing their expertise. This increases the chances of finding an effective solution to my problem.”
While the current trial involves doctors stationed nearby, the broader goal of 3D telemedicine is to facilitate remote pre- and post-surgical consultations. Patients can receive multiple medical opinions without physically traveling to different specialists. Aseku’s session includes doctors from Rwanda, Scotland, and Brazil. He emphasizes the potential benefits of the technology, especially for patients in remote regions. “If this could be brought to our doorsteps, it would be life-changing,” he says.
The technology is proving to be a game-changer for patients like George Opoku, a 68-year-old farmer from Akyem Pameng in Ghana’s Eastern Region. After being diagnosed with a sarcoma in his armpit, he was referred to Accra’s Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. However, the long journey and the costs associated with travel and accommodation were significant obstacles. Thanks to the 3D telemedicine trial, Opoku could consult with specialists remotely without the burden of travel expenses.”I felt relieved that I could avoid the long journey to Korle-Bu,” he says.
Beyond consultations, this technology enables surgeons to plan procedures more effectively by assessing 3D images of patients’ conditions. It also allows for continuous post-surgical monitoring to track healing progress.
Spencer Fowers, a lead engineer for Microsoft’s 3D telemedicine project, hopes the trial will showcase the technology’s potential in Ghana and beyond. “Doctors can rotate and examine a patient from any angle, make surgical markings, and discuss treatment plans remotely,” Fowers explains.”This reduces unnecessary travel while guaranteeing excellent care.”
Dr. Ahensan Dasebre, a senior resident at the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre at Korle-Bu, sees great promise in telemedicine projects like this. “We already have a shortage of doctors compared to the population needing care,” he notes. “If a patient in a remote area requires specialized attention, their referring doctor can use this technology to connect them with top specialists.”
With the ability to bring expert healthcare to remote locations, 3D telemedicine could be a major step toward improving medical access across Africa. Whether in a hospital or a mobile medical van, this innovation has the potential to bridge healthcare gaps and save lives.
