Telecom and health in 1980 and origins of Telemedicine

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About four decades ago, in 1980 there was no public internet (or World Wide Web). While idea of internet (or connected computers) did exist, it started taking shape only in 1990s. Unlike today, we did not have compact personnel computers, or laptops and even mobile phones. All these developments were also a decade away. E-mail was not yet in the public domain. Telecommunication in early 1980s was fixed land-line phones, radio-communication and some television. Given the state then, and the change that we have seen in the last few decades, I was surprised to find a couple of 1981 postage stamps on telecommunication and health.

Unaware of what future holds theme of 1981 World telecommunication day was “Telecommunication for health”. At this time message from its Secretary General of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) stated: “Telecommunications are indispensable to modern medical services.…….The life of a sick or injured person isolated in the bush can be saved by means of an ordinary portable transceiver which can call an ambulance plane or helicopter. Telecommunication equipment also offers a means of treating sick or injured sailors on board ships far out at sea.”

Radio communication and Radars

Telecom highlight in 1980s was expansion of Radio communication. We had developed large radars for signal transmission. These giant umbrella like devices, could send signals in the sky. Countries reflected this in their telecommunication and health postage stamps. Health seems to be spreading out from these radars. Today, many giant radar systems of 1980s lay abandoned. Radar communication became obsolete after advent of communication satellites.

ITU newsletter of 1981 has listed “Telecommunication and health” events from various countries. Almost all reports focus on Radio transmission to remote areas. Use of mass media to communicate was probably exciting for some countries, that issued postage stamps on this theme. Moreover, this ability to inform health information to entire population was a big leap. Other reports from India, Somalia, and Tunisia were on events organised to mark the day.

A more interesting report lists innovations in telecommunication that can impact health. These innovations included a braille lettered telephone for the visually impaired (Germany), or better phone acoustics for hearing impaired (Australia). Concept of a mobile phone was around the corner, and a radio-enabled car phone for doctors was mooted as an innovation (Belgium). Such systems were already in place for communication with ships (Italy, Oman, Netherlands). ECG telemetry or transmission of signals through phone lines was an exciting development (India, Japan).

A shape of things to come

Today we use the word “telemedicine” for entire system of healing, when doctor and patient are far apart, yet connected through a communication technology. Kenneth Bird, was a doctor in Boston who used first a camera and a microphone to see patients from about 4 miles away. This was in 1968, and this success made him suggest the word “telemedicine” in 1970s. While, this first telemedicine clinic closed down due to lack of funds, next boost was to come with transformation of communication and internet.

Beginning in 1990s, internet based communication was the first step. Over next decade, we could send images, sound files, and complex data through the internet. Google and its precursor search engines appeared in late 1990s, and a wealth of information was now a reality. Exponential growth of this global, digitally connected system, now provides variety of platforms for doctors and their patients to connect.

However, misgivings remain. We do strive for a personnel touch. During Covid pandemic of 2019-2021 telemedicine services saw a huge growth. This growth has already waned away in 2022-23. This means, that given a chance we will prefer a face-to-face consult. Nonetheless, now technologies are firmly in-place for effective remote consultations. Maybe hybrid for now.