Arctic Telemedicine Conference to Address Digitalization of Healthcare in the North

The 5^th Arctic Telemedicine International Research and Training Conference will be held online on 24 November as part of the plan of events of Russia’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023. The main goal of the conference is for the professional community to discuss specific aspects of the digitalization of healthcare in the Arctic, which differs significantly from other regions of Russia due to its climatic and natural conditions. The Roscongress Foundation is managing the events of Russia’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council.

Russia has declared telemedicine a priority for the implementation of the country’s national healthcare project. Telemedicine helps to vastly expand the list of available healthcare services for people living in remote regions. For the Arctic territories, the digitalization of healthcare is a vital challenge that has a fundamental impact on people’s quality of life. It is impossible to improve demographics and develop industry in the northern territories without affordable and effective medicine, the event organizers noted.

During the conference, the participants will discuss the current state of and prospects for the development of e-health in high latitudes, legal regulation in this regard, various aspects of working with medical data, practical experience in introducing information systems, as well as innovative telemedicine solutions and the remote monitoring of the population’s health. In addition, experts will share technological, technical, and organizational experience in using remote treatment, preventive maintenance, as well as distance education and training.

The conference will be attended by representatives of the federal and regional authorities, as well as specialists and experts in the medical industry. The conference primarily attracts practitioners whose experience and analytics are used to compile a roadmap to overcome disparities caused by the Arctic’s climatic and geographical conditions.

The conference is being organized by the Administration of the Nenets Autonomous District.

Developing human capital and improving the well-being and quality of life of the population, including the healthcare system and medical infrastructure in the Arctic, is among the top priorities of Russia’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023.