What we did earlier, even just a sneeze, cough or a headache mean us visiting the doctor in person for a consultation. It was also said and told to one and all how essential were regular checkups, be it to a dentist or a medical practitioner for sort of a progress card for our overall health. However, we are suffering from something, which needs utmost caution. The country is on a nationwide lockdown as we do not know how and when can one become prone to the novel coronavirus. But, what happens to times when someone gets ill and does not have coronavirus or someone who is in the midst of treatment or those required to visit doctors for regular consultations owing to a past surgery? The nationwide lockdown has made people look for options that are available to them without any need to step outdoors.
Understanding Telemedicine, A Wave Of Change
The Prime Minister had appealed to private health-tech companies to use technology and provide support in the battle against COVID- 19. There is an increased emphasis by the government and local authorities on the importance of telemedicine, online consultation, explains Dr Vishal Sehgal, Medical Director, Portea Medical. People are being encouraged to call helpline numbers or connect with doctors digitally instead of visiting hospitals.
Adding further on this, Nilesh Aggarwal, Founder and CEO, Medtalks explains how COVID-19 has not only spread to most parts of India but also put an enormous burden on our healthcare system that was already stretched to the limit. " The WHO recommends a minimum doctor-patient ratio of 1:1000, but India is well below that threshold. On top of that, a contagion like this is rapidly affecting doctors and healthcare staff as well. This is where telemedicine becomes safer and easy to implement an alternative. It eliminates human interaction, enabling caregivers and patients to remain safe from Covid-19 as well as any other communicable health issues," explains Medtalks CEO Nilesh Aggarwal.
Also Read: Diabetes Management: The Advancing Technology in Diabetes Prevention, Diagnosis And Care
Top Stories
-1751527287915.png)
-1751352905978.jpg)
An End To Self-Therapy?
The lack of doctors also forces patients towards self-therapy, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. As per Medtalks CEO, this move will also put an end to self-medication, " Self-medication without expert medical care can often prove fatal or lead to disabilities among curable patients. These are some other problems that telemedicine can help overcome. For more than a month, India has been under lockdown with even the local commute suspended. Hence, patients suffering from chronic diseases or non-critical health conditions are finding it difficult to get any medical support or guidance. Through this digital medium, patients can connect with doctors irrespective of their location and get expert advice."
The Hon’ble Prime Minister has also emphasized on using telemedicine for non-critical health queries and clinical consultations in addresses to the nation during the pandemic. Dr Sehgal explains, "It is the need of the hour for healthcare provides to now provide telephonic consultation and counselling to patients, especially for chronic disease management. For diseases like diabetes, it is all about managing the health condition effectively to come out of it slowly."
Technology Makes A Difference
Though we know that nothing can satisfy anyone more than visiting a doctor in person, but technology is undoubtedly that advanced to offer some never-thought-before medical services at the comfort of your home. Dr Sehgal emphasises on how with the new regulations and technological advancements, one can even provide home physiotherapy services via video conferencing.
Telemedicine Post Coronavirus
Nilesh Aggarwal strongly believes that even in the post-pandemic scenario, telemedicine would reduce the risk of exposure to viral infections and infectious diseases. "Telemedicine also enables patients from remote areas to easily interact with the doctors, saving them from health risks, but also the time and money spent on commuting to a clinic/hospital."
Also Read: Cancer Patients Need To Take Extra Care During COVID-19. Here Are Some Doctor-Verified Tips
Following are some of the possible benefits of Telemedicine that one should look at:
- Reduced contact with others.
- Reduced need of visiting hospitals and clinics, saving on time and overcoming conveyance difficulties.
- More use of technology in spaces and cities, where there is a heavy dependency on technology
- It enables patients from remote areas to easily interact with doctors.
- Telemedicine would reduce the risk of exposure to viral infections and communicable diseases
Read more articles on Miscellaneous