COVID-19: Healthcare providers use telemedicine

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

Telemedicine or telehealth, introduced in the UAE several years back to improve more patient care becomes more valuable at these critical uncertain times.

Three private institutions have so far strategized and updated their telemedicine services in support of the continuing “Stay Home” national campaign of the government. Another has come up with a trending video on the precautionary measures against the pandemic Coronavirus 2019 (COVID19).

On Sunday afternoon, Gulf Today portal already carried the launch of the Ministry for Happiness and Well-Being National Programme for Happiness and Well-Being three-component daily every 8:30 p.m. online support for mental health over the @HappyUAE.

Towards March-end, the  science-and-health business community Dubai Science Park (DSP) inaugurated its own “Advance Health” webinar for key healthcare providers across the country to connect and help enhance services and patient outcomes.

On March 31, VPS Healthcare started its “VPS Cadabams Mindtalk” online mental health service through toll free 8005546 whereby individuals and families may seek support against stress, adjustment/isolation issues, anxiety, depression, addiction, emotional disorders, grief, and fear of pandemic.

VPS member Medeor Hospital Dubai clinical psychologist Dr. Reena Thomas said: “Some people may become hopeless or those with psychological issues may see their condition worsening.”

Also from the private sector are the Moorfields Eye Hospital and the Aster DM Healthcare telemedicine systems accessible via their respective websites for video calls.

Those who encounter eye problems may now go for the paid/insurance-assisted “virtual consultation appointments” with any of the ophthalmologists of the Moorfields Eye Hospital in Dubai any time from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday to Thursday.  They may contact +97144297888.

Medical director Dr. Ammar Safar said: “Patients experiencing ocular emergencies such as sudden vision loss of any kind are still recommended to seek in-person emergency care.”

The Aster DM Healthcare offers free initial tele-consultation services across all Medcare and Aster hospitals in Dubai and Sharjah concerning “all general ailments from general practitioners.”

Those bothered about COVID19 may call up the Aster Call Center.

Video calls for children’s health concerns are available through the Aster Hospital website.

Home deliveries for medicines and other pharmaceutical products could be had through 800700600.