Developing an Intelligent Mobile Clinic—A Medical Vehicle for Improve Access to Healthcare in Remote Areas: Evidence From China

TL;DR

An intelligent mobile clinic in China's mountainous Lishui city improves healthcare access for remote populations using 5G and telehealth.

Contribution

A novel mobile healthcare model combining 5G, telehealth, and in-person services tailored for remote mountainous regions.

Findings

The intelligent mobile clinic made 25,000 visits from 2018 to 2023.

It benefited over 648,000 individuals in remote areas.

The model is praised for improving access to healthcare resources.

Abstract

Lishui, a mountainous city in Zhejiang Province, China, is characterized by extensive mountainous terrain and a dispersed population. To address this issue, Lishui has introduced the intelligent mobile clinic service. This model leverages 5G technology and integrates the benefits of mobile clinics and telehealth, tailored to the region’s geography and demographic characteristics. The intelligent mobile clinic uses real-time data analysis to deliver medical services effectively to remote mountainous areas. Medical personnel from the intelligent mobile clinic visit villages to provide in-person professional health services and facilitate residents’ access to higher-level hospital resources through telehealth. This model has received widespread praise and recognition from residents and has yielded significant outcomes. During 2018-2023, a total of 25,000 visits have been made, benefiting 648,000 individuals. The intelligent mobile clinic provides a valuable reference for enhancing health care access in similar regions.

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