Will telemedicine revolutionize healthcare forever?

With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, healthcare providers are turning to digital platforms such as Zoom, Facetime, and WhatsApp to deliver services that have traditionally been provided face-to-face. These include comprehensive counselling, sex education, and consultations for emergency treatment.

To put it into perspective, a recent survey found that 50% of the IPPF’s European Network reported that they are providing SRH programs through innovative approaches like telemedicine. Before the pandemic, providing medical consultations and prescriptions remotely through telemedicine was already booming. The increased demand was partly because it meant people could sidestep barriers to long waiting times for appointments. Now the global demand for telemedicine is at a whole new level because of the lockdown which limits the movement and also the fear of contracting the virus at public places.

Is telemedicine a makeshift or is it here to stay?

It’s difficult to deny the benefits to both healthcare systems and patients when it comes to telemedicine. Healthcare systems will undoubtedly have less pressure on them when they have only a few people through their doors, healthcare workers will be reduced and those who cannot physically attend appointments have an option to do it from the comfort of their home.

Telemedicine is the revolution that healthcare needs and since the coronavirus outbreak, the benefits of telemedicine access are being felt all across the world. The potential of telemedicine will benefit millions of women, and girls who are facing barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive healthcare, and advice. It’s the need of the hour to look at how to harness the momentum of telemedicine and incorporate it into its service delivery beyond the coronavirus crisis.


Why telemedicine is the next big opportunity in Indian HealthTech industry?

• The telemedicine industry is expected to create more than $5.4 billion market opportunity by 2025.

• Startups such as Practo and DocPrime are leading India’s telemedicine market with plenty of untapped resources and opportunities.

Telemedicine is the sector that can bridge the gap between rural and urban India and would be removing many of the infrastructure challenges. Telemedicine will definitely be a big part of walking into a ‘new normal’ once this pandemic is over.


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Life after lockdown: A dining guide

Right now, for most of us, restaurants only exist as bittersweet memories. Clinking glasses, lively conversations and savoring our favorite dishes are all things of the past. However, as the coronavirus lockdown lifts, restaurants will be reopening once again. Craving to go back to your favorite eateries and feast again? Here are SMBT’s best tips for restaurant dining after the lockdown has ended.

Although the safest option will be to eat at home until COVID-19 has passed, still many of us would want to eat at a restaurant sometime in the next few months. When that happens, do not just throw all the caution to the wind. Here are some ways you can indulge in a risk-free restaurant dining.

How does the virus spread in a restaurant?

A recent study traced how one asymptomatic COVID-19 infected person spread the virus to as many as nine other people sitting in the same restaurant. Based on the research, scientists have concluded that the virus is probably carried to other diners’ faces and food by respiratory droplets from the infected person’s mouth. The shower of droplets emitted while speaking can mostly be contained by masks, but while eating it is not possible. Thus, mealtime conversation comes with a hefty risk. It’s advised we limit food sharing, maintain a safe distance, and avoid unnecessary contact at restaurants.

Order the safest dishes!

There is a high chance you could be exposed to the virus if an infected person prepares, coughs, or talks over your food. Fortunately, research shows that the virus is quickly destroyed at higher temperatures. So, if you are worried about the sick staff in the kitchen, ordering hot food will help decrease the risk. Also, make sure to visit restaurants with high ratings and sanitary standards.


Protect yourself from the infected staff

Wear a mask while walking and talking with the waiters and staff. As an added layer of protection, carry alcohol wipes to disinfect your utensils and dishes right before mealtime.


Using the restroom

Using the restroom to wash hands comes with its own set of risks. Touching the faucet handle to shut off the water might negate washing your hands. Fingers can also pick up the virus on the restroom door. Minimize this risk by using a paper towel to shut off the sink and open the restroom door. Though, it will be the safest to just stay seated and use an alcohol-based sanitizer instead.


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