Inmarsat, Cisco partner for satellite-based telemedicine

Satellite operator Inmarsat on Tuesday announced a partnership with Cisco to provide connectivity for a mobile telemedicine system operating in the world’s most remote and underserved communities.

Under the deal the Cisco TelePresence VX Clinical Assistant will make use of Inmarsat’s global 3G-level satellite network in areas with little or no terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure.

The VX Clinical Assistant gives healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, the ability to interface and collaborate with medical professionals anywhere in the world using Cisco TelePresence to share content and ultimately deliver medical care through high definition videoconferencing and real-time transmission of key diagnostics ranging from ultrasounds to blood pressure readings.

“The VX Clinical Assistant is a marvel of medical technology but its ability to help doctors in remote areas to diagnose, treat and monitor patients can be compromised by the absence of reliable terrestrial connectivity,” said Drew Brandy, Inmarsat’s Vice President, Industry. “Through Inmarsat’s network, healthcare professionals can communicate and share essential health statistics, in real time, with doctors located all over the world.”