[THE INVESTOR] A pilot program connecting doctors with disabled patients through the use of information and communications technology kicked off on Sept. 1, the Health Ministry said.

Under the program pushed forward by the ministry, doctors will see a total of 150 patients to provide treatment and fill out prescriptions through the internet.

The program will involve the patients, including those in welfare and other facilities, and two hospitals, officials said.

“Disabled people are the ones who need telemedicine the most as they have difficulty in receiving medical treatment,” said a ministry official.

For the disable patients with severe conditions, nurses will visit their houses periodically and report back to doctors of their condition.

The move is part of the government’s efforts to prepare a package of measures to support the moves by local hospitals to provide telemedicine services to overseas markets.

(theinvestor@heraldcorp.com)