NATO Working with South Dakota Telemedicine Hub to Develop Services

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — NATO leaders are working with a telemedicine hub in South Dakota on a plan to deliver medical services remotely during natural or manmade disasters.

The group is visiting Avera Health's telemedicine center in Sioux Falls this week to look at the technology and equipment options available for telemedicine services. The delegation includes representatives from Romania and the United Kingdom.

Romanian interior ministry official Dr. Raed Arafat is the NATO director for the project. Arafat says the project aims to develop a multinational telemedicine system that could assist nations during emergency situations.

Avera's 24-hour telemedicine hub provides medical services to at least 90 hospitals in several states.

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