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How to Receive Free COVID-19 Consultation Online

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Published on June 21, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Although it is not as frightening now as it was in the last couple of years, the world is still grappling with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in some form or the other. India has also faced its fair share of challenges in the battle against this relentless virus that keeps coming up with new variants. While progress has been made in managing the crisis, individuals must remain vigilant and adapt to new ways of seeking medical guidance and support. Let’s delve into the current scenario of COVID-19 in India and highlight why it is essential for people to stay alert. Also, explore the convenience and effectiveness of online medical consultation, telemedicine services available, useful mobile apps, helpline numbers, and the importance of health insurance coverage.

Current Scenario of Covid in India

As per data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 2248 active cases as on June 13, 2023. While the recovery rate increased to 98.81% (4.45 crore), the fatality rate was 1.18%. So far, 220.66 crore COVID vaccine doses have been administered under the nationwide vaccination drive.

Why do people still need to be alert?

Even though there is a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases, there’s still a possibility of getting infected. The infectious disease is still not written off. As the virus spreads rapidly from person to person through several ways, it is important to be alert and follow COVID protocol to contain its spread. Hence, to reduce the risk of catching the virus, we must keep wearing masks while going out, maintain hand hygiene and social distancing, isolate if we experience any symptoms, and get vaccinated.

Online Consultation for Covid: How does it work

To contain the spread of coronavirus and make medical advice accessible to people from the comfort of their homes, several platforms were launched to offer free online medical consultations for COVID-19. eSanjeevani OPD is the first-of-its-kind online consultation platform launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It connects patients with doctors in real time and helps them receive timely medical advice and treatment.

A patient from anywhere in India can access the platform to book an online appointment with the doctor and seek expert advice. During the consultation, the patient can explain the signs and symptoms to the doctor, who will help with the diagnosis and treatment plan. You will also receive e-prescriptions. To use esanjeevaniopd.in, you should have a device (laptop or computer or smartphone) with an internet connection. As there is a list of doctors on the platform, you can select your preferred medical practitioner. eSanjeevani OPD is user-friendly and beneficial as you don’t have to wait in long queues in the hospital and fear getting infected with the virus, especially those with comorbidities.

Steps to an online consultation

If you are consulting using eSanjeevani OPD for the first time, you have to register yourself, and the steps to do so are as follows:

1. Visit https://esanjeevaniopd.in/ and click on Patient Registration on the homepage.

2. Enter your mobile number, State, and whether you need General OPD or Speciality OPD.

3. Verify the phone number using OTP.

4. Complete the patient registration form.

5. A Patient ID will be generated. Then, you have to request and generate a token for consultation.

6. Upload your medical records and other related documents.

7. The patient ID and token will be sent to your mobile number.

8. You can now log in using your Patient ID and other credentials.

9. You will enter the waiting room, and when a doctor is assigned to you, the CALL NOW button gets activated.

10. Click on CALL NOW, and the consultation will start.

11. During the consultation, make sure you explain everything clearly about your symptoms and any other related health issues. The doctor will also have access to your medical records.

12. After the consultation, the doctor will send the ePrescription, which can be downloaded and printed.

13. You will also receive an SMS notification with a link to download the ePrescription.

Telemedicine Services available

COVID-19 consultation is also offered by telemedicine healthcare providers free of cost or at minimal charges, prominent among them being Practo, Lybrate, PharmEasy, 1mg, Credihealth, and Vaidam Health. You can book an online consultation from their app or website by providing the required information.

Mobile apps that can help

As the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the flu, it sometimes becomes difficult for people to know if it is just flu or if they have contracted coronavirus. To help them differentiate and check if it is COVID, many mobile apps have been developed to track the symptoms, such as Aarogya Setu, COVID-19 Symptom Checker, etc.

These are self-assessment tools through which you can check yourself for COVID by answering some basic questions and sharing information about your symptoms and travel history. Based on the information provided, you will be considered low risk, moderate risk, and high risk. If you want online consultation with a doctor, you can schedule an appointment and get expert advice from the comfort of your home. After the procedure is complete, the ePrescription will be sent to you.

Helpline Numbers

If you want to speak to a doctor for any queries or report any symptoms and want medical advice, you can call up in any of the helpline numbers set up by the Government of India. The doctor will help you with the necessary treatment plan and precautionary measures to be followed.

The helpline numbers are +91-11-23978046 and (Toll Free) 1075 .

In addition to the above central numbers, there are also state-specific helpline numbers which can be found here.

Health insurance for Covid

Many health insurance companies cover treatment and hospitalisation expenses related to COVID. But some providers do not offer COVID coverage, considering it is a pandemic. If your individual health insurance or family health insurance does not have COVID coverage, you can buy COVID health insurance such as Corona Kavach or Corona Rakshak. These are customised healthcare plans dedicated to covering COVID-19 hospitalisation and treatment costs. Check whether your health insurance policy covers COVID-19 to ensure maximum financial protection if infected.

Conclusion

If you experience any signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and don’t want to visit any hospital for safety reasons, you can go for online consultation with doctors and get treatment. Many digital platforms, apps, and telemedicine services have been developed, as mentioned above, which offer online consultation for COVID-19 free of cost or with minimal cost. Also, make sure you have family health insurance or Covid health insurance to get financial protection if infected with the virus and for other medical emergencies. Stay safe! Stay Healthy!

Disclaimer : The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales

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