Bangladesh Society of Medicine (BSM) has recently launched a dedicated 24-hour telemedicine service for the Covid-19 patients, who are undergoing treatment at different healthcare facilities or from their respective abodes.
Supported by three doctors' associations such as Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad (SWACHIP) and Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS), the service has been made available since Wednesday.
Health Minister Zahid Maleque has inaugurated the service through a video conference, according to a statement, appreciatingthat the associations have set an example of fulfilling their duties towards the people and the country by facilitating treatment over phone.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) are also providing required support.
AMZ Hospital atBadda in Dhaka is the hospital partner of the initiative, while pharmaceutical companies Servier, Beximco Pharmaceuticals and Aristopharma have been extending support to the programme in the capacity of scientific partners.
The statement also said the leaders of the associations have assured of providing required advices to the patients, who are admitted to hospitals, staying in home isolation or trying to get admission in hospitals through 24-hour hotlines.
Covid-19 patients can now call the 24-hour telemedicine service for medical advice through the following numbers: 01313791130, 01313791138, 01313791139 and 01313791140, the statement saidand added that the people will also avail general treatment.