Training Programs to Disseminate Telemedicine Across Asia

WP5 • 1st Call • Building Sustainable Healthcare Capacity

Project Overview

Led by TEMDEC at Kyushu University Hospital, this transformative project built sustainable telemedicine capacity across developing countries through systematic training of hospital engineers and collaboration with research and education networks (RENs).

30+ Hospitals Connected
12 Countries Involved
100% Participant Satisfaction
4 SDGs Addressed

Participating & Beneficiary Countries

Participating Countries
Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia
Beneficiary Countries
Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Mongolia

Project Objectives

To build sustainable telemedicine capacity across Asia by training hospital and REN engineers through workshops and Train-the-Trainer programs. Our comprehensive approach focuses on:

  • Empowering local trainers for long-term sustainability
  • Expanding hospital participation in telemedicine networks
  • Enhancing REN-hospital collaboration
  • Promoting reusable training content
  • Fostering cross-border medical-technical exchange
  • Standardizing system practices
  • Supporting national policy integration

Key Activities Conducted

  • Train-the-Trainer Program (TEMDEC, Japan)

    1-month intensive hands-on training on DVTS, H.323, Vidyo systems, and medical equipment. Trainees gained clinical and technical experience and returned to lead national efforts.

  • APAN On-the-Job Training

    Engineers participated in real-time support of medical sessions during APAN 44 & 45, learning system setup, troubleshooting, and network integration.

  • Domestic Workshops

    Localized training in Philippines (16 participants, 10+ hospitals), Indonesia (40+ participants, 22 institutions), with Vietnam expansion planned.

  • Asia Telemedicine Symposium (ATS)

    Annual gathering of engineers and doctors to review progress, discuss technologies, and address technical and clinical gaps.

Key Outcomes & Challenges

Achievements

Expanded Hospital Participation

Enabled telemedicine in 30+ hospitals across Asia, increasing access to remote medical education and collaborative case sharing.

Trained Local Leaders

Developed national-level trainers who now lead telemedicine deployment and train other engineers.

Infrastructure Readiness

Hospitals acquired system setup, testing, and troubleshooting capabilities using DVTS, H.323, and Vidyo platforms.

Cross-Sector Collaboration

Strengthened REN-hospital links, aligning network engineers and medical staff for efficient implementation.

Challenges

Rural Staff Shortage

Remote hospitals often lacked engineers, delaying infrastructure adoption and requiring repeated training efforts.

Unstable REN Coverage

Weak network connectivity in some areas hindered real-time sessions and reduced training participation.

Outdated Equipment

Many hospitals used incompatible A/V systems, affecting session quality and requiring replacement investment.

Language Barriers

Multinational sessions faced communication challenges, reducing effective collaboration during workshops.

Future Directions

Our roadmap for expanding telemedicine capabilities across the region includes:

  • Geographic Expansion: Extend training to Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Mongolia
  • Localized Instruction: Translate training materials for native-language use
  • REN Infrastructure Support: Advocate for improved network access in underserved provinces
  • Medical Specialization Growth: Design programs for cardiology, radiology, and infectious disease
  • Policy Integration: Promote national-level policies for sustainable telemedicine implementation

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3
Good Health and Well-Being
SDG 4
Quality Education
SDG 9
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 17
Partnerships for the Goals