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Now, UAE patients can consult with doctors overseas via video call

Dubai - Emiratis will be able to avail of this ‘international telemedicine service’ as they visit their physicians at any of the 16 hospitals of Mohap.

A Staff Reporter

Published: Mon 9 Nov 2020, 1:27 PM

Last updated: Mon 9 Nov 2020, 1:32 PM

Emirati patients at a number of UAE hospitals will now be able to consult with doctors overseas via video call, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) said on Monday as it introduced a new telehealth service.

Emiratis will be able to avail of this ‘international telemedicine service’ as they visit their physicians at any of the 16 hospitals of Mohap, it added. Aimed at helping both patients and doctors get second opinion from specialists overseas, the service is expected to be operational this month.

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The doctors abroad will be reached through the Microsoft Teams programme, Mohap said. Information on the patients’ visits shall be recorded and regularly updated on the system by the ministry’s doctors.

“The newly launched service comes as part of the implementation of innovative models in the preventive health practices to control infection and strengthen telemedicine services,” said AbdulRahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention.

The service is part of the ministry’s Visiting Consultants Programme and in line with the precautionary measures carried out to counter the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last May, Mohap has launched the IT and digital telecommunications-based virtual clinics service, covering all medical specialties, as well as nursing, pharmacy, and support medical services.

Dr Mohammad Salim Al Olama, undersecretary of Mohap, explained that the international telemedicine service provides the preliminary diagnosis and medical advice in coordination with MoHAP’s medical teams through smart medical apps and other AI-based tools.

“Mohap’s decision to resume the Visiting Consultants Programme, despite the Covid-19 challenges, has proven to be instrumental in improving the quality of patients’ life, as well as reducing the burden of having to travel abroad,” he added.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com