The COVID-19 pandemic has made the technology go haywire with medical centres being closed for specific services post the stay-at-home order issued by the state and local government. It was done to prevent the transmission of the virus. Telemedicine is certainly not new, but it is widely being used considering the current situation. And it is here to stay even after the COVID-19 pandemic gets eradicated permanently.
Most e-pharmacies and hospitals including corporate sectors are using telemedicine and it is now a part of the employee wellness programs. Medical platforms like Doconline offers telemedicine facilities for both corporate and government employees. The rise in teleconsultation is also due to the telemedicine guidelines being issued which were kept on hold for some time by MoHFW (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) in association with the Medical Council of India, Board of Governors and NITI Aayog.
Pandemic has given rise to many challenges in terms of the provision of healthcare. Telemedicine is the best solution as medical practitioners can diagnose patients after evaluating and treat them accordingly. Telemedicine can be organized without staff or patients being exposed to infections or viruses, especially in difficult times.
The new guidelines have not only streamlined the whole concept of telemedicine but has elevated the confidence level of doctors. The medical practitioners are not only dealing with queries related to COVID but also chronic conditions like cold, fever, cough, body ache and sore throat. Thus, telemedicine will continue to manage patients and it is certainly a blessing in disguise.