A collaborative project that aims to expand accessible virtual care in India and Australia has been launched in New Delhi.

Led by the Nossal Institute for Global Health (University of Melbourne), the VirtuCare project will produce a tele-health care model that specifically meets the health and rehabilitation needs of people with disability.

VirtuCare will work with the health and ICT industry, government, healthcare providers, and people with disability to co-design a pilot model.

"Once we get the model right, we aim to expand the initiative to the national disability and health systems," said Nathan Grills, Professor at Nossal Institute for Global Health. 

"This understanding will help inform the development of a virtual health system that is dynamic, effective and accessible, and result in increased health outcomes in both India and Australia, particularly among those who experience disadvantage and poor access to healthcare."

The VirtuCare network includes The George Institute for Global Health, Infosys, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (Mohali), E-Sanjeevani, University of Melbourne, University of Adelaide, PHFI, Emmanual Hospital Association, Monash University, CBM Trust India and Enablement. 

The Government of India and Government of Australia have Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in disability sector. The VirtuCare project is funded by the Australia-India Council.  

Image: Professor Nathan Grills at the official launch