Micro Health Centers: A Trend for the Next Decade

As the debate over U.S. Healthcare Reform continues to simmer, other countries are transforming their healthcare systems through the introduction of micro health clinics. Thanks to several groups of socially conscious entrepreneurs and the innovation provided by telemedicine and portable medical equipment, these clinics are cropping up all over the globe. Perhaps healthcare providers in the U.S. could learn from this type of system, particularly in rural and low income areas.

For example, the group Sehat First in Pakistan is planning to set up 500 franchises of tele-health clinics by 2012. The centers will include a health center and pharmacy, as well as a general consumer goods store and a tele-center. Patients will have access to multiple services in one location, and using IP-based video phones, they will be able to consult with doctors and specialists without leaving their community.

In the Dominican Republic, a new clinic will be spearheaded that repurposes standard shipping containers and turns them into primary care health clinics. Containers2Clinics is based in Boston, MA and plans to expand this powerful concept in many other locations as well. The containers can be converted into stand-alone health centers or be used to complement existing facilities.

These examples are evidence that the future of global healthcare will focus on three key themes:

* High quality patient care
* Easy accessibility for patients
* Keeping prices affordable – through a combination of the latest technologies and the economies of scale

As these franchises continue to grow, medical equipment suppliers will be looking for ways to meet the growing need for compatible devices and remote connectivity.

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