Inmarsat and Cisco team up to extend eHealth Services

Inmarsat, a major provider of global mobile satellite communications services, announced a new collaboration with Cisco to provide the satellite connectivity needed to make Cisco’s mobile telemedicine system, Cisco TelePresence VX Clinical Assistant, available in the world’s most remote and underserved communities.
The collaboration will enable Cisco to leverage Inmarsat’s global 3G satellite network, enabling medical teams to provide quality health care to communities that are located in areas with little or no terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure.
The VX Clinical Assistant gives health care facilities, including hospitals and clinics, the ability to interface and collaborate with medical professionals anywhere in the world using Cisco TelePresence to share content and ultimately deliver medical care.
The unit enables the delivery of virtual medical care through high definition videoconferencing and real-time transmission of key diagnostics ranging from ultrasounds to blood pressure readings.
“The VX Clinical Assistant is a marvel of medical technology but its ability to help doctors in remote areas to diagnose, treat and monitor patients can be compromised by the absence of reliable terrestrial connectivity,” said Drew Brandy, Inmarsat’s VP for industry.
“Inmarsat’s award-winning, global satellite network offers ubiquitous IP broadband and unmatched reliability, empowering medical teams in the world’s most remote regions through access to high quality, reliable data and voice services. Through Inmarsat’s network, health care professionals can communicate and share essential health statistics, in real time, with doctors located all over the world.”
Wael Abdulal, collaboration manager, Cisco UAE, said: “With Cisco’s VX Clinical Assistant and Inmarsat’s connectivity, we will be able to offer a fast, efficient, remote care experience with doctors in real-time without the need to travel to a health facility.”
“Inmarsat is moving into the important areas of eHealth and is committed to help make quality health care accessible in the most remote and challenged areas of the world,” said Nada El-Marji, Inmarsat’s director, NGO business.
“Our collaboration with Cisco is an important milestone in our journey to make the Inmarsat satellite network synonymous with eHealth delivery.”