Covid-19 medical hotline launched
'Doctors on Call' will provide free medical advice from more than 450 qualified medical doctors who have voluntarily committed their professional time and expertise to the initiative.
As the number of Covid-19 infections in the country passes 1300, a national medical support hotline has been launched.
‘Doctors on Call’ will provide free medical advice from more than 450 qualified medical doctors who have voluntarily committed their professional time and expertise to the initiative.
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The initiative was launched by KwaZulu-Natal Doctors Healthcare Coalition, Usizo Advisory Solutions, Nedbank and the University of Cape Town’s online collaboration and learning system app Vula in order to assist and offer immediate advice to those who may start showing symptoms of the coronavirus.
According to project leader Dr Anuschka Coovadia, support for this programme could help flatten the curve, save the health system from being overwhelmed, protect the economy and ultimately, save lives.
“At a time of heightened anxiety under lockdown, it gives South Africans easy access to a doctor rather than seeking advice in person and risking infecting health practitioners, who are expected to experience severe pressure as cases continue to rise,” she said.
Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize announced that as of Tuesday this week (March 31) five South Africans – three from KwaZulu-Natal – had died from the virus while 1 353 were now infected.
The service will operate on weekdays from 8am to 5pm.
You may call under the following circumstances:
* If you have a travel history and feel you might be exposed;
* Have been in contact with the coronavirus via any other means;
* To get additional information about coronavirus.
The Doctors on Call hotline number is 087 0550 234.
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