UoS launches telemedicine centre

Information can be obtained through phone, WhatsApp and Skype

SARGODHA: The University of Sargodha (UoS) has launched a telemedicine centre where not only information on various ailments and medicines can be obtained online but there are specially appointed psychiatrists as well which will help people overcome the fear of coronavirus.

Information can be obtained by making not only telephone calls to the telemedicine centre but also through WhatsApp and Skype.

The Vice-Chancellor Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed stated that a centre has been set up to provide quality medical care to the citizens. He maintained that if calls were not received due to any reason, the relevant department at the centre would call the patient and provide him or her with all the information and guidance.

Educational activities at Sargodha University are closed due to the outbreak of COVID-19, but a special centre has been set up at the university's facility centre by the university administration where citizens are being provided telemedicine facilities.

Specialists from Sargodha Medical College were deployed at this telemedicine centre which is operated from 8 am to 8 pm daily.

These doctors will not only advise citizens regarding various diseases through WhatsApp, telephone and Skype but they will also be sent e-prescription through which any drug from any pharmacy or medical store can be purchased by showing it.

Several telemedicine centres have been launched across the country after the outbreak of coronavirus. However, the University of Sargodha's telemedicine centre is unique because it has special psychiatrists who will help citizens overcome the fear of coronavirus.

Sargodha Medical University’s Dr Saifullah Goraiha, who manages the telemedicine centre, told The Express Tribune that whenever an outbreak spreads or people are forced to stay at home, they get scared.

“In such situations, people do more harm because of fear and anxiety,” he said. The doctor maintained that psychiatrists deployed at telemedicine centres counsel and guide such people online so that they can be driven out of the fear of coronavirus.

Experts from each department have been deployed at the telemedicine centre, he added. “Doctors in more than a dozen fields including medicine, surgery, cardiology, nephrology, dermatology will be available to citizens for free medical advice,” he said.

Sargodha Medical College Principal Dr Humera Akram told The Express Tribune that the centre's purpose is to provide quality medical care to citizens during the lockdown and social distance.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 29^th, 2020.