Originally published Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 12:59 AM
Comments (0) E-mail article Print Share
NKorea launches telemedicine network with WHO help
North Korea formally launched a medical videoconference network Tuesday aimed at giving smaller, rural hospitals access to specialists in the capital Pyongyang with the help of the World Health Organization.
Associated Press Writer
North Korea formally launched a medical videoconference network Tuesday aimed at giving smaller, rural hospitals access to specialists in the capital Pyongyang with the help of the World Health Organization.
WHO has been providing cameras, computers and other equipment to North Korea to help the reclusive, impoverished country connect a main hospital in Pyongyang with medical facilities in 10 provinces. The system is designed to allow doctors to talk to each other to provide additional services to rural patients.
On Tuesday, North Korean health officials and visiting WHO Director-General Margaret Chan held the formal inaugural ceremony for the system at the Kim Man Yu hospital in Pyongyang, according to footage from broadcaster APTN.
"This is an excellent vision because it meets the needs of the government," Chan said.
Chan, clad in a white gown, later tested the system by talking with provincial doctors via video link.
One unidentified doctor at Jagang province, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) north of Pyongyang, told Chan he is satisfied with the system because it's too far for his patients to visit specialists in the capital.
She arrived in Pyongyang on Monday, becoming the U.N. agency's first chief to visit the communist country since 2001.
The North faces chronic food shortages and has relied on outside assistance to feed much of its population of 24 million since a famine is believed to have killed as many as 2 million people in the 1990s. The North also faces a shortfall of hospitals and lacks an efficient state health care system.
WHO opened its office in Pyongyang in 2001 and has coordinated the purchase of medical equipment and supplies for North Koreans. The world's health body says on its Web site that it is currently focusing on strengthening the North's health infrastructure.
On Monday, the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency said the government held a reception for Chan, who arrived the same day as Red Cross and Red Crescent officials. It was not clear whether the visits were connected.
---
Associated Press writer Sangwon Yoon in Seoul contributed to this report.
UPDATE - 10:01 AM
Rebels tighten hold on Libya oil port
UPDATE - 09:29 AM
Reality leads US to temper its tough talk on Libya
UPDATE - 09:38 AM
2 Ark. injection wells may be closed amid quakes
Armed guards save Dutch couple from Somali pirates
Navy to release lewd video investigation findings
More Nation & World headlines...
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
general classifieds
Garage & estate salesFurniture & home furnishings
Electronics
just listed
Cemetary Plot in Prayer Garden
City od Kenmore NOtice of Application for P...
City of Bothell Planning Commission Recruit...
More listings
POST A FREE LISTING
- Airbus in the hot seat at air show
- Just how lean will Microsoft become under Nadella? | Brier Dudley
- Oso spirit slides a bit on story of landowner’s pricey demand | Danny Westneat
- ‘King Felix’ as loyal as his subjects over past 10 years
- Hisashi Iwakuma delivers big-time on his bobblehead night, leading Mariners to a 6-2 victory
- Felix Hernandez and Seattle, a love story
- Some graduates of beleaguered Everest College allege deceit
- Police officer slain by killer who sought fame
- Sounders' DeAndre Yedlin still finding footing as newest sensation
- Big crowd helps Sounders beat rival Portland Timbers
- Riding a wave: How ‘Boys in the Boat’ became a best-seller | Lit Life
- Traveling in Europe? Get chip-and-PIN credit card | Travel Wise
- Orchardists using falcons to keep birds from crops
- Airbus in the hot seat at air show
- 5 best Seattle food favorites for out-of-town guests
- 401(k) rollover boom enriches brokers at retirees’ expense
- No gadgets required: Parents’ talking aids baby brain growth
- Some graduates of beleaguered Everest College allege deceit
- Pickle juice, yellow mustard for muscle cramps | The People's Pharmacy
- Exploring Vashon Island by kayak