Two giant US companies- Intel and General Electric- announced on Thursday (2nd April) that they are teaming up to produce a line of medical devices, including one that would allow doctors to remotely monitor patients' health without needing them to visit the doctor's office. The companies said that, they will jointly invest a total of 250 million dollars to develop the Intel Health Guide and other products.

 

Intel Health Guide is a device that allows physicians to video conference with patients, check vital signs like blood pressure and weight over the internet and provide patients with reminders related to their health. Intel started marketing of the device to healthcare providers and insurance companies in November 2008. Intel CEO Paul Otellini said that, the partnership would not only help seniors and the chronically ill, but would also take a giant step forward in changing how healthcare is delivered.

 

The products could represent a huge market in the US and around the world as health care systems struggle to deal with high medical costs. It allows medical workers to check patients and improves care outside of medical facilities. Announcing their alliance both the companies said that, such devices could save huge amounts.