Health checks going digital
HEALTHCARE providers in Bahrain are turning to digital technology to offer online services to ensure patients continue with non-emergency but important medical check-ups.
The popularity of these digital resources is growing especially in light of social distancing restrictions and a ban on gatherings in place to combat the coronavirus (Covid-19).
Bahrain’s first licensed telemedicine service has gone online, connecting doctors with patients remotely.
Doctori is the first such service licensed by the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) and ensures that both patients and healthcare providers fully comply with the NHRA and Health Ministry guidelines for online healthcare solutions.
“We are the first licensed telemedicine platform in Bahrain providing a wide range of services to patients,” said the start-up’s chief executive Ahmed Mahmood.
He said more than 80 on-demand healthcare professionals had signed up for the platform which can be downloaded as an app on Android and iOS devices.
The platform deploys an Artificial Intelligence-equipped interface where patients can select doctors, book a time slot and then both parties can discuss medical issues via video conferencing.
Mr Mahmood said the company worked closely with the Health Ministry and that several hospitals and clinics had signed up to provide the services.
Consultation charges range from BD5 to BD20.
“Even during this time of pandemic, if a person feels he is showing Covid-19 symptoms, he can use our virtual platform to speak to doctors rather than visit a hospital.
“We have seen good growth in terms of numbers with more than 1,000 downloads so far, and interest from even GCC patients.”
Mr Mahmood, who launched the start-up with co-founder Ahmed Alawadhi, said they plan to expand their services to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
“We are also working with the World Health Organisation to provide free online medical consultations to Zanzibar, Tanzania and other countries.”
Meanwhile, Weyak, a digital pharmacy, is delivering medications directly to stay-at-home patients with underlying health conditions.
The start-up graduated from the C5 Accelerate programme in 2017 and then Flat6Labs last year, and recently launched a revamped platform to handle the current increase in orders.
Currently, it is also offering a free doctor’s consultation as well as a platform which allows hospitals and clinics to connect with users by video consultation and e-prescription.
Another popular start-up from Bahrain is Hayatech which helps companies and individuals achieve a healthy lifestyle by logging their daily physical activity, based on which they earn tokens, that allow them to get discounts on food and wellness activities.
Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/822547/Health-checks-going-digital
