Baramati gets its first digital hospital WiMAX Networks

03 November 2006

Mumbai: Intel Corporation together with the Maharashtra government and other technology companies has set up Baramati's first digital hospital and WiMAX Network.

To enable the wireless communications infrastructure, Intel set up the high-speed internet network to connect the community computer center and public kiosks, donated PCs to the community and developed a telemedicine programme for Baramati's government hospital.

"Technology can expand what's possible to create opportunities for the people of India. Through the World Ahead Programme, we remain focused on accelerating access to technology, improving education and increasing Internet connectivity," sad Craig Barrett, chairman, Intel Corp.

"The standard use of technology will increase quality of care, while lowering health care costs for Baramati Tehsil hospital patients," Barrett said, adding, "With computers, real-time video capabilities and electronic medical records, critically ill patients can be diagnosed by medical specialists hundreds of kilometers away."

Union minister for agriculture, consumer affairs, food and public distribution, Sharad Pawar, who was present at the function, said "Baramati can be a model for developing communities around the world. The appreciation of the towns people only fuels our commitment to further empower them through technology."

The WiMAX system, jointly installed by Intel and Aircel, is a cost-effective and efficient way to deliver broadband internet access to remote communities. The PCs, donated by Intel to the community computer center and public kiosks, also include ones specifically engineered for extreme environments in India.

To improve rural education, Intel announced that it would help the government equip as many as 100 mobile computer labs in vans throughout the country. So far, five serve village schools as far as 25km from Baramati.