Her Excellency, Minister Fontes Lima signs order that creates the National Telemedicine Program
January 27th, 2014 marked another important achievement of the Integrated Telemedicine and e-Health Program of Cape Verde, that is funded by the Republic of Slovenia Development Cooperation through ITF Enhancing Human Security and implemented by International Virtual e-Hospital Foundation.
The Minister of Health of the Republic of Cape Verde, Dr. Maria Cristina Fontes Lima signed the order for the establishment of the National Telemedicine Program in Cape Verde (NTP-CV). Based on this order, the objectives of the NTP-CV will be to establish a long term plan for the development of telemedicine in Cape Verde, elaborate a database for the use of telemedicine, to ensure that teleconsultations are offered one time and with appropriate quality, to continuously train the personnel in using the technology that supports telemedicine in Cape Verde, as well as to monitor and supervise the program.
The order anticipates for the appointment of a coordinator, soon to be appointed by the Ministry of Health as well as for the establishment of the National Telemedicine Advisory Council (NTAC) with an advisory and development role in the NTP-CV. “By mean of this order, we demonstrate the sense of ownership that the Ministry of Health of Cape Verde has over the process. Now telemedicine is part of the other national programs that reflect our national health priorities. I urge the project to become acquainted with all our health priorities and try to address them through the telemedicine program”, Minister Fontes Lima told to Prof. Rifat Latifi (IVeH President) during their recent meeting a few days after the order was signed. “Our IBOT strategic approach is giving a spectacular result in Cape Verde”, Prof. Latifi told to the Minister. “To a large extent, this is dedicated to the commitment of our counterparts here in this room and this order is also demonstrating this”, Latifi concluded.