Summary: Working Group on Information Society
E-Commerce and tele-medicine
| Time: |
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17 July 2002, 11:30 - 13:00 |
| Location: |
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ITU H |
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Moderator(s): | | • Mr. Jeroen Van Hove, Mandat International (MI)
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Presenters/ Participants: | | • Ms. Yunkap Kwankam, World Health Organization (WHO)
• Ms. Chitra Radhakishun, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
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| Reporter: |
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Ms. Yoshiko Kurisaki, Pacific Telecommunications Council |
| Resource Person: |
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Jeroen Van Hove, SCI and Mandat International |
| Language: |
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English, French |
| Key words: |
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tele-medicine, access, technology, e-commerce, e-business, micro-enterprises, human
network |
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This session presented several programmes that function thanks to new
technologies, promoting health and enhancing business. Mr. Yunkap Kwankan
of the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced a Tele-medicine project undertaken by
his organisation. WHO promotes
'eHealth' programme, that is to provide medical care services from a distance using the information and
communications technologies (ICT). The programme is addressed to individuals needing health
services, being in line with the shift of focus of WHO's health programmes from groups to individuals.
eHealth system is useful to improve access to, effectiveness of, and knowledge and skills in the health services. Barriers include lack of technical knowledge, economic viability, organisational support and behavior adjustment. WHO further plans to implement Integrated Services Telehealth Network
(ISTN), which accommodates multiple services using the telehealth network. WHO encourages civil
society (CS) participation at its highest level, as it recognises the value of the CS activities in
cooperation with WHO. More information for CS participation is found at www.who.int. Ms. Chitra Radhakishun
of UNCTAD presented issues related to e-Business opportunities for women in small businesses in developing
countries. To illustrate her point, she used an example she witnessed in
Galibi, a rural village in
Surinam.
Access to the start-up capital is the largest obstacle for women in developing countries, intending to start a micro-business of their own. National policy
programs for micro and small enterprises are key for success, but in addition UN and CS should work closely in coordination with each other to support women's business. Women's confidence is developed and supported by the human network behind them. Communication is the lifeline of the development. Development partners, including CS, must help women entrepreneurs by enhancing human network and facilitating access to physical networks.
Interesting questions
- A means to ensure efficient distribution of the health services. How to ensure that services will reach the
targeted beneficiaries?
- e-Commerce for women–Several questions addressed social impacts to the development of women.
- Tele-medicine–Basic Human Needs Telecom Association was introduced as an NGO, installing the basic telecom system in rural regions in
LDCs.
Conclusions
- Tele-medicine: ICT had a high potential for the promotion of the health service. CS should take advantage of the ICT by creating innovative ideas of the health
support.
- E-Commerce for women: e-Commerce potentially can be an efficient tool to promote women's business, but assistance by the Governments and development partners are indispensable to trigger the move. Men's support for
women's business development is key to overcome social obstacles towards the harmonious social development. CS should help women to enhance their human network and access to physical
telecommunications infrastructure.
Presenters' Documents Available
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