Taiwan: Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan’s integrated telecommunications operator, is launching “Taiwan Mobile Healthcare Services” enabling anywhere, anytime mobile medical care using a Nortel WiMAX solution.

The first WiMAX healthcare network in Taiwan will support emergency medical assistance and patient care services wherever it is required outside of a medical facility, the company said in a press release on Saturday. By providing super-fast, high-bandwidth wireless communications powered by WiMAX technology, personnel in the field can connect to critical medical resources, exchanging important files and arranging treatment over mobile VoIP – saving crucial minutes in the early treatment of patients.

To be launched at the Taipei Medical University Hospital, Tri-Service General Hospital and Taipei City-Wan Fang Hospital, Mobile Healthcare is part of the M-Taiwan initiative being piloted by Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA). The government's emphasis on driving mobile access throughout the country has placed Taiwan at the forefront of mobile broadband developments. Financial, insurance, security, delivery, distribution and other related medical services are also planned to be launched at a later stage.

"The incorporation of wireless technology into healthcare services is an important milestone for residents in Taiwan," said Y K Tsai, leader, Nortel Taiwan. "Nortel worked closely with Chunghwa Telecom to understand the industry's needs before designing a network that would reduce the complexity of services and enhance the quality of the medical care provided. Supporting this project, which is an integral part of the M-Taiwan initiative, also underlines Nortel's commitment to the development of WiMAX in Taiwan."

© CIOL Bureau