Mumbai (PTI): Scientists of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre have developed a compact low-cost portable Tele-ECG machine controlled by a mobile via bluetooth connection.

With this, a patient from rural area can be provided a routine check by mobile phone without regularly commuting to a hospital.

Developed jointly by the Electronics and Medical Divisions of BARC, routine inspections and monitoring can be carried out while the patient is at home, travelling or at work, said Dr Vijay Kumar, Associate director, Knowledge Management Group.

This also decreases the load on resources of the hospital. The Tele-ECG can also be connected to a laptop or desktop computer, Kumar said.

Though telemedicine benefits all branches of medicine and surgery, cardiology needs special attention due to its higher incidence rate and higher risk associated.

"Many a times, delay in transporting the patient from village to the nearest city may prove fatal. As the mobile phones are becoming more and more affordable, this new product is ideally suited for rural health and personal monitoring," Kumar said.

"BARC has invited doctors, electronic engineers and representatives from medical electronics industries for demonstration of the device and to have a panel discussion on this portable Tele-ECG on February 4," Kumar added.