VirtualDoc Mobile Application
Elaj Asan in Pakistan | Pigia Daktari in East Africa
Telemedicine has emerged as an essential mode of non-urgent health care service delivery, especially during the COVID-19 era. It helps limit exposure of moderately ill patients to those who are severely ill and alleviates the burden on health systems by protecting health care providers and reducing footfall in health care facilities. This, in turn, enables effective allocation of resources, gearing limited resources towards acutely ill patients.
Amidst the pandemic, AKDN dHRC, in collaboration with Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS), developed and implemented an end-to-end telemedicine mobile app, VirtualDoc, in Pakistan and Tanzania to connect patients with doctors, remotely. VirtualDoc, known as “Elaj Asan” in Pakistan and “Pigia Daktari” in Tanzania, makes health care services available at a consumer’s fingertips. It has been customized to suit the needs of the local population of each country for a smoother, quicker process.
The Android app is a patient-centered platform, which provides patients access to AKHS specialists via teleconsultation services. The online payment and video calling features, allow patients to conveniently schedule appointments, make payments, consult doctors, share documents, like prescriptions and diagnostic reports, and maintain their personal health record in the comfort of their home. The app also allows elderly patients, with limited mobility due to illness, and those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, to consult physicians from home.
The app generates and manages patient-specific records related to prescriptions and diagnostic tests, in a private and secure space. In Pakistan, a full-fledged pharmacy component allows users to order, pay for, track and receive pharmaceutical goods at their doorstep.
The application allows teleconsultations to be conducted through either Wi-fi or cellular data services, as opposed to computer-based teleconsultations, which require internet connectivity.
Since its launch in Pakistan, Elaj Asan has witnessed over 2000 registrations, with 593 appointments booked and 247 successful teleconsultations. In Tanzania, there have been over 300 registrations and 78 successful appointments scheduled.
VirtualDoc was launched under the COVID-19 Innovation Research Project, which aims to conduct research on the effectiveness of three digital health interventions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including VirtualDoc.
CIRP is funded by the Government of Canada through the International Development Research Centre and the Aga Khan Foundation.
Elaj Asan and Pigia Daktari is available on the Google Play Store.