Ashrafcom advocates promoting access to medical care for consumers and health
professionals via telecommunications technology. Ashrafcom seeks to bring together
diverse groups from traditional medicine, academic medical centers, technology
and telecommunications companies, e-health, medical societies, government and others
to overcome barriers to the advancement of telemedicine through the professional, ethical
and equitable improvement in health care delivery for the benefit of Sudanese people.

We intend to implement these objectives by: 

• Educating government about telemedicine as an essential component in the delivery of modern medical care.

• Serving as a clearinghouse for telemedical information and services.

• Fostering networking and collaboration among interests in medicine and technology.

• Spearheading the technology transfer of telemedicine technology.

Ashrafcom will initiate its services by developing its Sudanese Doctors on Line Consulting Services.  The expertise of the top health professionals available locally (Stage 1) and internationally (Stage 2)  will be available to patients, physicians and other healthcare professionals by using advanced computer applications and broadband telecommunications technologies.
 

Telemedicine is the transfer of electronic medical data (i.e. high resolution images, sounds, live video,  and patient records) from one location to another. This transfer of medical data may utilize a variety of telecommunications technology, including, telephone lines, ISDN, the Internet, intranets, and satellites.

 Telemedicine is utilized by health providers in a growing number of medical specialties, including, but not limited to: dermatology, oncology, radiology, surgery, cardiology, psychiatry and home health care.

People living in rural and remote areas struggle to access timely, quality specialty medical care. Residents of these areas have substandard or no access to specialty health care, primarily because specialist physicians are more likely to be located in areas of concentrated population. Because of innovations in computing and telecommunications technology, many elements of medical practice can be accomplished when the patient and health care provider are geographically separated.
 

It is a system that connects primary care physicians, providers, specialists and patients. Telemedicine is not a new concept. It has existed for a number of years in the form of the telephone and fax machines.

In recent years, with the improvements made in access, technology, and communications systems, telemedicine has expanded and, in a time of limited resources, has become a feasible alternative for smaller and rural medical facilities to provide routine and specialized services. Particularly in rural areas, it offers the potential of both improved access to care and improved quality of care. But in no way does it mean that it is a substitution for health care. It helps in the improvement and renovation of our present health care system.