Praava Health launches telemedicine services to assist patients during pandemic

Praava Health – a network of family health centres in Bangladesh – have introduced several new telemedicine options in response to the Covid-19 pandemic for all patients and the broader community.

These services include a dedicated Covid-19 hotline and video consultations with Praava's doctors, according to a press release issued on Sunday.

Patients can now access health services without leaving their homes, which also reduces the chances of coronavirus transmission.

"As an outpatient provider, Praava Health is focused on patients who don't yet require hospital care, and is thus trying to prevent clogging of the hospital system at a time when patients should stay at home as much as possible to avoid spreading the disease," said Sylvana Q Sinha, founder, chairman and CEO of Praava.

"We've converted most in-person appointments to video consultations, although our flagship facility remains open for imaging and outpatient procedures," she added.

Patients can call Praava's hotline 10648 between 8am-10pm every day for free screening calls with doctors and get answers to any questions regarding the coronavirus.

During these screening calls, doctors assess patients' conditions and guide them accordingly, including providing information on where to get tested for those who may be at high risk of Covid-19, or treatment options for people who are unwell.

Alongside the screening calls, Praava is offering video consultations for all types of patients, including those with existing and chronic conditions that need to be managed during this time.

Video consultations will follow the same protocols as an in-person visit, including the time allotment of at least 15 minutes.

After the video consultation, follow-up instructions will be emailed to them, including any prescriptions that may be required.

For any testing or medication that a patient may require, Praava's mobile phlebotomists can collect samples from home. Home delivery of any prescribed medicine is also done in collaboration with Shohoz.