KUALA LUMPUR: The virtual health advisory portal, DoctorOnCall, has been activated for the people Sabah following the surge in Covid-19 cases there.
Its founder Maran Virumandi said the updated platform could be accessed for free round-the-clock and from anywhere.
"The people will be able to search for verified and credible written articles about the virus including taking a self-assessment test to understand their risks.
"If they wish to seek for more clarification on their symptoms, they can speak to a resident doctor via chat, phone or video call.
"This free virtual health advisory platform allows a two-way communication, between the callers and the attending doctor as the doctor can understand callers' concerns about Covid-19 or any other illnesses, assess any symptoms and advice on the necessary steps to be taken," he said in a statement, today.
Maran said the portal could help the public to seek clarification or get advice, instead of crowding at the healthcare centres.
"This could potentially help avoid crowding in the clinics or any healthcare facilities, as they have been advised earlier, instead of many people going to the clinic all at once and wait around for physical consultation.
"It could potentially allay people's fears and concerns through reading credible and verified information provided on the platform.
"We have decided that this is the best time to activate the portal in Sabah, as it is crucial to keep the people safe and providing access to good healthcare facilities and credible information," he said.
Maran said the patients who consulted with resident doctors on this platform could order their medication through the portal, and it would be delivered to them for free.
Besides DoctorOnCall, the portal had also extended its services to Telehealth Consultation services with specialist on board as well as health screening packages from their partners including Thomson Hospital, TMC Fertility Centre and Columbia Asia Hospitals for a fee.
The platform which was established in 2017 is the country's first and largest digital health platform.
On its existing platform, it offers telehealth consultation, online pharmacy, medication delivery, credible health-related articles, doctors and specialist booking.
Members of the public can log on to www.doctoroncall.com.my/coronavirus. for more information on Covid-19 and its details.