The Department of Hospital Administration at Dr. NGP Arts and Science College organised the 12th Dr. Purani Endowment Lecture on the topic “Exploring the Impact of Telemedicine on Healthcare Delivery” on Friday.
The session highlighted how telemedicine improves healthcare access, reduces travel and associated costs, enables remote monitoring, supports chronic care management, speeds up consultations, expands rural healthcare services and enhances overall efficiency.
Uma, Head of the Department, delivered the welcome address. The presidential address was delivered by Dr. Nalla G. Palaniswami, Chairman and Managing Director of KMCH Hospital, along with Dr. Purani Pavai Palaniswami, Trustee of Dr. NGP Research and Educational Trust.
The gathering was felicitated by Muthuswamy, Director of Academics, Dr. NGP Educational Institutions, and Pounraju, Senior Consultant and Ophthalmologist at KMCH Hospital.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Kalpana Narendran, Chief of Cataract and Paediatric Ophthalmology Services at Aravind Eye Hospital, delivered an insightful address on the role of telemedicine in preventing eye diseases through early screening using AI technology. She explained how small vision centres in rural areas, operated by two trained healthcare professionals, are effectively connected to specialists through teleconsultation at Aravind Eye Hospitals.
She also highlighted the functioning of various branches of the Aravind network and emphasised how this model has significantly improved the accessibility and quality of eye care services in rural communities.
The lecture concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Suji, Assistant Professor of the Department. Students from various disciplines, including Biosciences and Basic and Applied Sciences, participated in the programme.
