TELEHEALTH : Convenience and safety in a new normal system through digital solutions
As the pandemic continues to shift the lives of Filipinos to a new normal, many are adapting to more recent digital solutions for their medical needs. To reduce the chance of developing COVID-19 or infecting others, many Filipinos choose to consult digitally rather than visit clinics or hospitals. Telehealth providers such as KonsultaMD and HealthNow grew stronger, making services more readily available or convenient for people with limited mobility, time, or transportation options during the pandemic.
A telecommunications company, as large as Globe, sees enormous potential in its telehealth ventures after posting stellar growth in 2021. Globe said remote medical access in the country is rising because of convenience, affordability, and safety.
It is recorded that the mentioned telehealth providers jumped in revenue and expanded their user base to over a million.
“Telehealth has become an important innovation that will stay and evolve even after the pandemic. We believe the public will continue to use KonsultaMD because of the ease and convenience of talking to a doctor anytime without leaving their homes. This has become an invaluable service during the pandemic,” KonsultaMD CEO said.
Despite the social distance and stay-at-home orders, doctor-patient engagement can still occur, and telemedicine services reduce the risk of exposure with an in-person clinic visit. Telehealth can be utilized to keep track of COVID-19 patients after being discharged from the hospital. Telehealth is also a technique to reach out to people who have limited or no access to healthcare.
This technology must be introduced by public health organizations, governments, stakeholders, and policymakers worldwide, including in South Asia, where diagnostic and critical care facilities are few. The global pandemic of COVID-19 may catalyze governments and regulatory authorities to adopt telehealth services and incorporate them into current health systems.
