Harnessing Information Communication Technology to Promote Healthcare Access by Women Living in Rural Areas : Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

In today’s world, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the driving force behind all economic, financial, technological and social developments. It is a tool that has reached and impacted individuals, organizations and nations globally. In the last couple of decades, ICT has revolutionized the medical field in a tremendous way. ICTs have impacted healthcare sector through sharing of public health information, diagnosis and treatment, facilitation of collaboration and cooperation among healthcare workers, remote consultation, effective health research, monitoring health incidences and improving overall efficiency of healthcare facilities. In this paper, desktop exploratory study was conducted to find out how ICT can be harnessed to promote healthcare access by women in rural areas considering associated opportunities and challenges. It looks at uptake of ICT in healthcare in developed countries versus developing nations. It concludes by outlining the opportunities and challenges associated with the application and use of ICTs by women living in rural areas.