Marikina launches online consultation to protect health workers

MANILA, Philippines — Marikina City has rolled out a mobile application that residents can use to consult doctors and receive medicine—reducing health workers’ exposure as front-liners across Metro Manila succumb in alarming numbers to the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The TeleHealth program, which can be accessed on a public website or downloaded on mobile phones, connects users to licensed doctors who will provide patients an online form and speak with them via phone or video conferencing.

“Marikina residents can now seek medical assistance from the comfort of their homes, and receive medicines at their doorstep to lessen mobility during quarantine,” said Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro.

The medicine will be brought to the resident by a team from the City Health Office.

The app, created in partnership with TeleHealth Pilipinas, serves the twin function of reducing chances that those with COVID-19 can further spread the disease as well as reduce the risk of viral exposure for doctors and medical providers.

If the online consultation suggests the patient could be a COVID-19 carrier, dedicated ambulances and medical personnel would be ready to pick them up, Teodoro said.

He added that the app was also being used to keep regular tabs on persons under monitoring.