China is set to become the largest market for telemedicine, which enables patients to attend digital appointments with doctors across geographical divisions. Researchers predict the country will soon overtake the US and Japanese markets. The American Telemedicine Association has said more than 70% of urgent illness conditions can be tackled via telemedicine. The technology is not without drawbacks: sharing of tissue or blood samples across countries is difficult and the system relies on third-party observations to replace physical examinations by doctors. But it could also help reduce healthcare costs in developing countries.
China is set to become the largest market for telemedicine, which enables patients to attend digital appointments with doctors across geographical divisions. Researchers predict the country will soon overtake the US and Japanese markets. The American Telemedicine Association has said more than 70% of urgent illness conditions can be tackled via telemedicine. The technology is not without drawbacks: sharing of tissue or blood samples across countries is difficult and the system relies on third-party observations to replace physical examinations by doctors. Joint ventures in telemedicine were a leading topic at the recent US-China Innovation and Investment Summit in Texas.