Anhad Empowering the nation with Telemedicine in post-COVID times

The Covid-19 pandemic had been a rough year that not only shattered the economy of the nation, but also exposed the off-guard overall healthcare system of the world. It took us this virus to get a wake-up call and realize that there is a need to shift the existing healthcare paradigm to a safer level. Considering the fear that COVID-19 gave birth to, all other health priorities took a back seat. The pregnant women and the people suffering from chronic or long-term illness got adversely affected due to lack of agile treatment and medical care.

By the end of October, India confirmed more than 7 crore cases of COVID-19, making India the 2nd most COVID affected country in the world. The Central and State Government had a tough task managing medical care for these marginalized groups.

The diagnosis, treatment and containment of COVID, lead to the missed timely diagnosis and treatment of other fatal diseases as well. This was the situation in the urban areas, and the situation was even critical in the remote areas, like far off districts and villages. Due to no access to preliminary treatment or care, there was a huge loss of life. Let us identify the problem more closely.

The problem faced on the medical grounds:

Our country has a broken chain that limits the appropriate supply of vigilant healthcare services. Adding to the adversity, there are primary healthcare services divide that does not let the rural population get as much attention as the urban population. The continued situations have further led to increased risks of miscarriage or complications due to paucity of services. There is also a high rate of infant mortality, due to lack of quality natal care. Scared to get infected by the novel coronavirus, people refrain reaching out to the doctors even at the most critical times. That further aggravates the situation.

The solutions to address the healthcare problems:

A revised and a stronger approach to healthcare is needed to address these identified gaps, to bring agile healthcare close to the patient. Telemedicine or mobile medical services can change the situation here.

Paying attention to the vast geographical coverage and the (x:5000x) doctor: patient ratio, India is now taking a shift to telemedicine services that can provide in-person healthcare services with less number of challenges. Even with the limited resources, some NGOs are also coming forward to fill the void, making medical consultation and treatment convenient even at long distances. Anhad India is also serving the same purpose by outreaching the peri-urban and rural populations to provide timely access to proper medication to every last mile. Even the rural women can now get a consultation from the expert gynecologists' and obstetricians who interact with the patients through digital mediums, gather their medical history and educate/advice them as per their needs. All of this is supported by the Government or NGOs that are powered with funding.

How Anhad India is making a move?

Anhad India assists the motive with E-doctor clinics that they set up at remote locations and establish a stable network to connect the patients with doctors over a video call. This innovative approach helps both the patients as well as the doctors.

Earlier the patients had to travel to the closest city, even in cases of emergency, and then get an appointment followed by the treatment. Our NGO grants the reliable telemedicine services with “virtual visit”. There are the nurses that follow the instructions and monitor blood pressure, weight, heart rate, etc. on the spot. They also have pharmacies that give a provision of all types of medicine. They also collect samples and provide NABL certified lab reports with complete accuracy.

Anhad India with their new concept and consistent efforts empower the patients with tele-consultation and online prescription generated by the doctor who is consulting remotely. This service is of great help to empower the nation medically.