Dubai Health Care City has joined hands with UAE
telecom operator du to launch a live round-the-clock physician helpline in the
emirate.
Mobile Doctors 24-7 International will initially
be offered to 40,000 select du customers for a free trial period of 60 days,
the telecom firm said in a statement.
The joint initiative seeks to reduce unnecessary emergency room
visits and over-utilisation of healthcare services by offering phone-based
access to qualified physicians – around-the-clock, and free of charge,
it stated.
The service offers a scalable array of clinical
management services designed to provide timely access to needed services,
facilitate coordination of care, and enable alternatives to hospital care where
appropriate.
Most critically for the member patients, the
integrated clinical model provides the appropriate level of care at the time of
need.
Farid Faraidooni, chief commercial officer, du, said:
"Across the region there is already a huge burden on healthcare systems
due to rising costs, scarce resources and lack of capacity."
"Supporting an innovation that allows real time
access to quality healthcare from the convenience of your home and respecting
the mobility our customers demand, is our goal," he stated.
"We provide a 24-7 access to quality healthcare through our
physician helpline, offering patients timely care and desired convenience by
providing those who call with the opportunity to speak directly with a
local, licensed and qualified physician regarding their health
needs."
"If you or your family member is sick, you may
not be sure what to do, and it may seem like the ER is your only option. That
is not true anymore," he said.
Adam Chilcote, vice president of strategy and business
development, of Mobile Doctors 24-7 International, said patients who call the
helpline with any health care needs or concerns will be able to speak with a
physician, who will understand the history and assess and advise on the best
options for the patient.
Dr Mansoor Anwar, director of medical & occupational
health services at du, said the service will allow a platform for more
visibility on the prevalence of chronic diseases and will provide a way to
better monitor and control the burden of these diseases, Trade Arabia has learnt.
(C) Trade Arabia
