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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Public urged to avail of gov't's free telemedicine consultation

Public urged to avail of gov't's free telemedicine consultation

Published Apr 10, 2021 11:18 am

An adviser of the country’s National Task Force Against COVID-19 has urged people Saturday, April 10,  to use the telemedicine services of the government to avoid overcrowding in hospitals.

Dr. Ted Herbosa said the government has set up hotlines wherein people can call for health consultations, and for queries in finding available medical facilities in order for them to receive treatment.

“Sana yung mga nakikinig, pag nag-positive kayo hindi kayo didiretso sa isang ER, kasi makakadagdag kayo sa problema nung mga doctor (I hope the listeners, if you tested positive, you will directly go to the ER, because you will add to the problem of the doctors),” he said in an interview over DZBB.

Herbosa underscored the importance of using the telemedicine hotlines provided by the government to prevent emergency rooms (ER) and other healthcare facilities from overcrowding.

“Tumawag na lang muna sa doctor, you can consult, and then itra-triage ka. Ang tawag namin diyan tele-triage (Just call the doctor first, you can consult, and then you will be triaged),” he explained.

“So sila ang magsasabi sayo if you need to go to the ER or not nila basi sa assessment nila (We call that tele-triage. So they will tell you if you need to go to the ER or not based on their assessment),” he added.

Herbosa said some private hospitals in Metro Manila have also set up their own telemedicine hotlines for people seeking medical assistance, while others have also offering home care services to their COVID-19 patients.

The health expert noted that the telemedicine consultation offered by the government through the Department of Health (DOH), One Hospital Command, and local government units is free of charge.

People can avail of the free consultation service offered by the DOH by contacting their hotline at 1555 or 02-894-COVID.

The public can also consult through the telemedicine partners of the Health department.

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