In Bitkine, central Chad, residents previously faced long and costly journeys to reach medical facilities concentrated in larger towns. Ache Kodo, a local resident, said a single medical visit could require saving for transport, consultation fees, and other travel expenses, often delaying care.
Telemedan, launched in 2021 by Abakar Mahamat, operates solar-powered kiosks staffed by trained local operators who register patients and take basic measurements using equipment such as blood-pressure monitors, glucometers, thermometers, pulse oximeters, and electrocardiogram machines. Doctors join consultations remotely via screen, and some kiosks also include ultrasound equipment.
The kiosks run on solar panels and batteries, allowing operation without reliable grid electricity. Patient data can be stored locally and synchronized when connectivity returns, and a USSD service enables appointment booking and health information access without internet. Connections use mobile networks or satellite links depending on location.
Telemedan consultations cost between $2 and $15, compared with journeys for in-person care that can exceed $200 when transport, accommodation, and logistics are included. Abakar said the goal is to prevent families from choosing between medical care and feeding themselves.
The initiative has expanded from a pilot to 37 kiosks across 11 provinces with support from grants and partnerships including Chad's Ministry of Public Health and Prevention. Telemedan reports reaching an estimated 143,000 people and has begun using artificial intelligence to assist screening for diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes complication that can damage vision.
Remote consultations have limits: kiosks cannot provide emergency treatment, perform all examinations, or dispense medicines. Patients needing specialist care, laboratory tests, or hospital treatment must still reach higher-level facilities. Each kiosk costs about $10,000 and is sold to governments, public health programs, and partner organizations that operate them.
Chad's National Digital Health Programme, launched in 2023, identifies digital health as a way to expand access under the 2022–2030 National Health Development Plan. Youssouf Silay, an assistant to the programme coordinator, said solar-powered telemedicine kiosks can contribute by bringing services closer to underserved populations, though sustainability depends on equipment maintenance, connectivity, operator training, doctor availability, and referral pathways.
Telemedan aims to reach one million people in rural communities across sub-Saharan Africa. Abakar said the objective is to create a sustainable layer of healthcare infrastructure rather than a collection of technology projects.
In rural Chad, solar kiosks bring healthcare closer
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