Friday, August 30, 2019

Turning WhatsApp into cardiac helpline

Spread positive information
Technology is what we make of them. WhatsApp can be used to spread falsehoods or to help people.

A cardiologist in Mangaluru, Karnataka, Dr Padmanabha Kamath, has chosen the latter by turning the messaging app into a free helpline.

Of course, this is not a substitute for a doctor. It only serves as a guide for someone who needs help.

For example, you have a particular symptom, and you want to get quick advice on what needs to be done. Or you have a medical report and you want a doctor to interpret it and suggest the future course of action.

This guidance is often what a number of us who have health issues are eagerly looking forward to.

The service that Dr Kamath runs is called Cardiology at Doorstep, and the WhatsApp number is +91-9743287599.

Considering that this messaging platform is arguably the most popular and effective medium of communication, there is immense potential for extrapolating this model on a bigger scale by corporates.

Read more about this initiative here.

(This post is part of the We Are The World Blogfest, which aims to spread positive news on social media. WATWB on Twitter and on Facebook.)

13 comments:

  1. A good initiative and can prove beneficial in some cases.

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  2. Hi Pradeep - this is certainly an excellent #WAWTB ... I do hope it takes off and is successful - I expect many will benefit ... while others will learn ... sounds just amazing - thanks for highlighting for us - cheers Hilary

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  3. Excellent idea. However, it may not work in countries like USA. If something goes wrong, the doctor will be liable for a huge malpractice suit and lose his license.

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  4. Pradeep, I hope that this doctor can continue to use the app to help others. What a novel idea, one that is worth continuing. Thanks for sharing this story and participating in #WATWB.

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  5. Hi KP - Like I said, it might just be an advice, but it might help someone looking for some guidance.

    Hi Hilary - Since WhatsApp is quite popular, it must be gaining some traction, I guess. Tks.

    Hi Rajan - O, yes. That possibility is there. But I guess all similar forms of remote medical and healthcare run the same risk. Maybe there will be some clauses like a legal disclaimer.

    Hi Mary - Thanks for dropping by and for the comments.

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  6. This is such a novel idea and initiative. It's a great way to share information and advice. More power to Dr Padmanabha Kamath!

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  7. What a great idea! As for me, I've avoided getting a 'smart' phone. It drives my loved ones a bit crazy. Heh... Be well!

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  8. Interesting. Although, I have no idea what a WhatsApp is.

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  9. A constructive initiative.Thank you for sharing this info. here, Pradeep.

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  11. Technology is what we make of it - very true. Unfortunately most of the WA messages are not just falsehoods but downright ridiculous. A refreshing change to see someone employing it in a great cause. Kudos!

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  12. Great post! As a heart patient this is such a great idea. We're beginning to see the value of using technology to access health care especially since many of us are in isolation right now. In Canada we have a few similar to this that have just started. I had to use one recently for RX since I needed heart meds and my medical clinic isn't open. Thanks so much for sharing this and for being a part of #WATWB Stay safe & be well! :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Belinda - This is a good example of how we can use technology for our benefit. It's a great boon for people who need medical advice urgently and are unable to go out.
      Thanks for checking our my blog posts.
      Do drop by. Love reading your insights.
      Take care!

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