Online help for Mumbai's heart patients

Mumbai, Sep 18 (UNI) The Asian Heart Institute (AHI) today launched its telemedicine facility for heart patients of the city.

Starting from Pedder Road, the facility will have five centres each, costing between Rs 5-7 lakh, that will provide 'world class consultation'.

The facility will enable patients to save costs and time and directly interact with experts. Utilizing ISDN lines and the internet, data and information will be uploaded by streaming.

''Most of our patients need consultation and not admittance. It also establishes a bond between the patients and the doctor,'' AHI Senior Interventional Cardiologist Dr Sudhir Vaishnav said.

''This set up will help patients who require follow-up after major procedures like Bypass surgery and Angioplasty,'' AHI Senior Interventional Cardiologist Dr Tilak Suvarna added.

The telemedicine facility will initially be available for two hours daily, then eventually increase to a 24 hour daily service.

AHI also plans to expand in smaller cities of the country and in the Middle-East.

UNI