WITH hospitals and medical centers getting congested, the Department of Health is encouraging Metro Manila residents to consider free “telemedicine” consultations amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
The DOH said it has partnered with Telimed Management Inc. and Medgate to provide free consultation services for Metro Manila residents who need “COVID-19 medical advice and non-COVID-19 health-related concerns, free of charge.”
The 24-consultation program, which was launched on Tuesday, can be reached through hotline at (02) 84241724, the DOH said.
Telemedicine is a system that allows the delivery of remote healthcare services to patients in their homes, work places, or assisted living facilities as an alternative to in-person consultation. It allows health care professionals to evaluate, diagnose, and even treat patients at a distance using telecommunications technology.
The DOH assured the public that all participating physicians are licensed and certified to provide telemedicine consultations.
Earlier, the DOH said it is studying how to best use telemedicine, particularly primary care teleconsultation, amid the pandemic. It said the system is needed as many hospitals are experiencing a surge of consultations regarding COVID-19.
