Access to professional medical advice could become easier and more affordable for many Ugandans following the introduction of a mobile-phone-based digital health service that allows patients to consult doctors remotely for as little as 500 Shillings a day.
The innovation by MTN-Uganda and Zuri Health enables users to seek medical advice through SMS and WhatsApp, allowing them to consult qualified health professionals without the need to travel to health facilities or endure long waiting times. Patients can also receive guidance on managing their conditions and, where necessary, get prescriptions for treatment.
Health experts say the service could help address the widespread problem of self-medication by making professional consultation cheaper and more accessible, especially for low-income earners and people living far from health facilities.
Marvis Ndagire Musungu, a Digital Specialist at MTN Uganda, said the service is designed to help people use technology to simplify access to critical services such as healthcare. She noted that a team of medical professionals has been assembled to respond to clients’ health inquiries through digital platforms at any time.
Speaking at the launch of the new product in Masaka City, Doctor Flavia Bagatya, a physician at Zuri Health, said digital healthcare solutions have already proven effective in other countries and can reduce the burden on patients who often have to travel long distances for consultation.
According to her, remote consultation not only saves time and transport costs, but also reduces exposure to infections in crowded health facilities while encouraging patients to seek professional advice instead of resorting to self-medication.
She added that after consultation, patients can receive prescriptions and guidance on managing their conditions appropriately.
The service is currently being introduced alongside free medical camps in different parts of the country to encourage public uptake.
Jalia Nalukwago, one of the beneficiaries treated during a free medical camp in Nyendo Township in Masaka City for a backache condition, welcomed the initiative, saying it offers hope for low-income earners who often struggle to meet the cost of medical consultation.
SOURCE: URN
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