According to WHO estimates, 40 per cent of countries have fewer than 10 doctors per 10,000 people, leaving many patients far from qualified care. Experts say remote consultations, AI-powered diagnostics, and digital health platforms can help bridge this gap.
Speaking to TV BRICS, Margarita Isaakova of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University said telemedicine has shifted from being an “additional option” to an integral part of healthcare systems, particularly in BRICS countries where long distances and overloaded health systems are common challenges.
Across BRICS, telemedicine is expanding rapidly. China remains a global leader, with remote consultations available in all counties and cities as of January 2025. India is scaling up through its Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, which has already created hundreds of millions of digital health IDs and broadened telemedicine access, especially in remote areas.
Brazil is also advancing digital healthcare through its SUS Digital programme, focusing on underserved regions such as the Amazon and the Northeast. South Africa is developing telemedicine through its national e-Health strategy, although connectivity and electricity shortages remain major obstacles. In Russia, telemedicine is growing through state digital health systems and private-sector AI tools for diagnostics and remote monitoring.
Specialists believe BRICS cooperation in telemedicine has strong potential because member countries face similar challenges, including large territories, digital inequality, and the need to protect patient data. Joint investment in infrastructure, common standards, and regulatory coordination could help accelerate progress.
However, experts warn that barriers remain, including uneven internet access, differing legal frameworks, data security concerns, and low public trust in telemedicine and AI. They stress that telemedicine must be fully integrated into healthcare systems if it is to become a lasting solution rather than a temporary measure.
seyed mohammad kazemi
