The Bolivarian Government of Venezuela is debating a Telehealth Law that seeks to digitalize citizens’ health records so that every institution in the country can use the same database.
The initiative, presented in the National Assembly, involves the systematization of medical appointments and the creation of a web platform to request appointments online.
Deputy Alejandro Villanueva said that teleconsults would be held with national and international specialists. “The doctor doesn’t necessarily need to be on site, they can get advice in real time online, via Skype, email, social networks and teleconferences,” he explained.
The purpose of the project is to reach everywhere in the country via the Simon Bolivar satellite and other technologies developed by the public sector.
If the Telehealth project is approved, the State must:
1. Systematize and digitalize health records.
2. Create a database of national and international specialists.
3. Develop a web platform to schedule appointments.
4. Equip medical units with broadband, fiber optics and computers.
Deputy Miriam Pérez Goitía also said that the technology would be used for epidemiological purposes to control and monitor diseases.
“We hope to be able to approve these regulations before the end of the first session of the National Assembly,” she concluded.
