TELEMEDICINE AND ITS IMPACT ON HEALTHCARE ACCESSIBILITY: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative approach in modern healthcare, enabling the delivery of medical services through digital communication technologies. The rapid advancement of information technology, coupled with increasing healthcare demands, has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine worldwide. This review explores the role of telemedicine in improving healthcare accessibility, particularly among rural and underserved populations. The paper discusses the benefits, challenges, and future prospects of telemedicine in enhancing healthcare delivery. Findings indicate that telemedicine has significant potential to reduce healthcare disparities, improve patient outcomes, and support healthcare systems in managing increasing patient demands. However, challenges related to technological infrastructure, data security, and regulatory frameworks remain important considerations.