Wipro's yet to be launched remote fetal monitoring solution for high risk pregnancies is a wireless CTG (cardiotogograph) for antenatal care and labor or delivery that uses a small wearable wireless fetal-maternal monitoring device. The solution offers ambulatory belt-less monitoring solution that needs minimal user intervention. Accurate FHR/ MHR/ UA surveillance is additionally supported by electronic storage of clinical data and decision support software that acts as aid to the doctors.
Currently, two pilot studies are taking place in India and the company plans to launch the device in November 2012.

The way forward
The advantages of telemedicine are manifold, but so are the challenges that hinder growth of this field in the Asia Pacific region. For instance, there are infrastructural issues, such as poor bandwidth and expensive bandwidth. In remote and rural places, this is still a hurdle. Next challenge is in implementation. It requires training technicians, IT staff and local doctors to handle the latest technologies. The high prices of the technology also play a spoilsport in many instances and this holds back penetration in the market.

But opportunities exist only where there is challenge and unmet need and this leads to innovation. Therefore, the industry is increasingly focusing on bringing down the cost component of these technologies and make them user-friendly.