| OVERVIEW
e-health is an exciting area as it contributes to the health of people
in remote communities and other parts of the world. Take telemedicine
for instance - the science of providing medical services via modern
communications networks. Australia has taken a leading role in this
area, with 30 telehealth clinics operating in WA alone. In fact the
world's first e-medicine research centre was established in WA in 2005
at Edith Cowan University.
Researchers at this centre are working on Star Trek-style portable
devices, futuristic virtual surgical training tools and biosecurity
innovations - in addition to low-cost diagnostic imaging devices for
eye and ear health, x-ray tools and virtual-reality equipment for
training in surgery. Tele-enabled equipment such as cameras,
stethoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, spirometers and electrocardiograms are
used to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of
illnesses.
The medical devices industry plays a vital role by developing
life-saving products ranging from pacemakers, artificial joints and
drug-coated stents to wheelchairs and cochlear implants. The
significant overlap in technologies means that many firms in the
industry can be classified as biotechnological, pharmaceutical, medical
or dental device companies.
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