October 19, 2009

Euro-Mediterranean medical informatics and telemedicine 2009 (EMMIT 2009) 5th International Conference took place on October 16-17-18 2009 at "Hotel Dieu de France” hospital in Beirut Lebanon.

Dr. Imad Hoballah, commissioner, Board Member, Head of Telecommunications Technologies Unit at the TRA participated to the event on October 16th where he gave a presentation titled: “Telecom Regulatory Aspects of e-Health”

Dr. Hoballah’s presentation explained how the Telecom regulations especially those set by Telecom Regulatory Authorities (TRAs) can positively impact several e-Health aspects starting with securing the (fixed and wireless) Telecom infrastructure and the radio spectrum required for e-Health applications and ending with the Electro-Magnetic Field (EMF) exposure limits and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC).

He further explained how TRAs issue Service Provider licenses (including those for Broadband services) that could be used as the Telecom infrastructure utilized by the administrators and users of medical applications and devices. TRAs also define the spectrum requirements for wireless medical applications and reflect them in the National Frequency Allocation Table. Furthermore, TRAs issue spectrum licenses for various Short Range Devices (SRDs), Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) equipment, and Active Medical Implants and associated peripherals.

In addition, clarification was made on all medical equipment that are classified as Radio Telecom & Terminal Equipment (RTTE) and are subject to the Type Approval certification from TRAs prior to their importation and use and must comply with the guidelines set in TRA’s Human EMF exposure limit regulations. The Type Approval certification ensures EMC thus enabling the proper function of medical equipment without interfering with the operation of other radio/electronic medical systems.

To view Dr. Hoballah’s presentation click here