SLMA initiates helpline for COVID patients

16 August 2021 02:09 am Views - 505

The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) reactivated the 247 Doc Call Service in collaboration with the Health Ministry, Suwaseriya, Mobitel and several other telecommunication service providers to answer patient calls during this crucial moment. Through this service, COVID patients who are confined to their homes can get medical advice from doctors.

 

"Through this service, patients or caretakers will be able to clear any doubts at the click of a button."

In order to assist in this initiative, the SLMA invites its members to volunteer as respondents to patient calls. 
“We have initiated a one-week trial period to test the service,” opined SLMA President Dr. Padma Gunaratne. “We are in the process of formulating criteria as we can’t answer all questions posed by patients. For example we can’t answer questions regarding ambulances but we will be able to answer questions relating to disease conditions.”
She said that so far around 30 doctors have volunteered to assist in answering patient calls and that the SLMA have called in more volunteers as well. “We are trying our best to do some service at this crucial hour,” she added. 
The SLMA took the initiative to reactivate this service at a time when healthcare resources have been inundated with a heavy inflow of COVID patients. In order to lessen the burden on the healthcare system, patients with fewer or milder symptoms should be provided home-based care. These patients, who are to be provided home-care need to be supported continuously by addressing their health concerns and anxieties. Through this service, patients or caretakers will be able to clear any doubts at the click of a button.