Dubai Health Care City has joined hands with UAE telecom operator du to launch a live round-the-clock physician helpline in the emirate.

Mobile Doctors 24-7 International will initially be offered to 40,000 select du customers for a free trial period of 60 days, the telecom firm said in a statement.

The joint initiative seeks to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits and over-utilisation of healthcare services by offering offering phone-based access to qualified physicians – around-the-clock, and free of charge, it stated.

The service offers a scalable array of clinical management services designed to provide timely access to needed services, facilitate coordination of care, and enable alternatives to hospital care where appropriate.

Most critically for the member patients, the integrated clinical model provides the appropriate level of care at the time of need.

Farid Faraidooni, chief commercial officer, du, said: "Across the region there is already a huge burden on healthcare systems due to rising costs, scarce resources and lack of capacity."

"Supporting an innovation that allows real time access to quality healthcare from the convenience of your home and respecting the mobility our customers demand, is our goal," he stated. 

"We provide a 24-7 access to quality healthcare through our physician helpline, offering patients timely care and desired convenience by providing those who call with the opportunity to speak directly with a local, licensed and qualified physician regarding their health needs."

"If you or your family member is sick, you may not be sure what to do, and it may seem like the ER is your only option. That is not true anymore," he said. 

Adam Chilcote, vice president of strategy and business development, of Mobile Doctors 24-7 International, said patients who call the helpline with any health care needs or concerns will be able to speak with a physician, who will understand the history and assess and advise on the best options for the patient.

Dr Mansoor Anwar, director of medical & occupational health services at du, said the service will allow a platform for more visibility on the prevalence of chronic diseases and will provide a way to better monitor and control the burden of these diseases.- TradeArabia News Service