A man in Ghana named Charles Owusu Aseku has suffered from a keloid growth on his neck since 2002. Despite spending a small fortune, Aseku has had two unsuccessful operations to remove the keloid, which has returned each time. He is now participating in the first live trials of Microsoft’s 3D-telemedicine technology in Ghana. The 3D cameras capture images of him from every angle, which can be transmitted to doctors globally. This allows for multiple opinions and potential solutions for his condition.
Aseku can access the treatment in the comfort of his home, a luxury he never had before. He has been to several hospitals in Ghana and other African countries, but never encountered such technology. If the government can bring this technology to their doorsteps, it would be greatly beneficial, he says.
Similarly, George Opoku, a 68-year-old farmer, underwent a telemedicine session at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Instead of traveling hours to the hospital, he was able to get the medical attention he needed without the hassle and expense of transportation and accommodation. Aside from saving time and money, 3D telemedicine also gives doctors an opportunity to see growths and plan surgical care for patients.
Spencer Fowers, principal engineer with the Microsoft 3D telemedicine project, hopes that the trial contributes to the implementation of 3D telemedicine in other African countries. The project allows doctors to perform pre or post-surgical consults from anywhere in the world, without physically present in the location. This is especially beneficial for patients in remote areas who lack access to specialized services.
Ahensan Dasebre, the senior resident at the National Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre at Korle-Bu, supports the use of telemedicine projects such as this. He believes it can help address the issue of limited access to specialized services for patients in remote areas. With the help of this technology, patients can speak with the best specialists in the world, regardless of their location.
Source: http://www.africanews.com/2025/03/30/3d-telemedicine-brings-healthcare-to-rural-ghana/
