People advised to use technology to seek medical advice

“GOGP+ is a Telemedicine application which enables video to video chat remotely connecting those in need of medical assistance with qualified doctors, in a trusted, reliable and secure environment,” Mwebesa said.

HEALTH | TECHNOLOGY 

KAMPALA - Many people are suffering different medical conditions that have been aggravated by the lockdown to avert the spread of the COVID-19 which government is gradually easing.

According to Paul Mwebesa, the chief operations officer of GoGP+ in Uganda, people who need to constantly be in contact with their physicians such as cancer patients, the diabetic, and those who need the services of the psychiatrists, among others have greatly suffered during the lockdown.

“In the same light, this lockdown has made it difficult for women who might need gynecology services to access health centres for support,” he said.

He revealed that they have embarked on the campaign to promote GOGP+ app to enable the population to consult medical professionals through technology.

“GOGP+ is a Telemedicine application that enables video to video chat remotely connecting those in need of medical assistance with qualified doctors, in a trusted, reliable and secure environment,” Mwebesa said.

Telemedicine is the use of electronic communication and software to provide clinical services to patients remotely without making a physical visit to a hospital or clinic.

Now, anyone with a smartphone can get access to quality personalized medical attention.

He added; “With just a click of a button, one can reach a doctor within seconds.”

Mwebesa said GOGP+ app can be downloaded onto your mobile phone. “The app is available in play store and app store.

The app according to Mwebesa has the ability to upload documents and photos. It can also enable doctors to review historic consultations, prescriptions, and lab tests to maintain consistency of the patient’s diagnosis and treatment.

“GoGP+’s mission is to provide healthcare for the masses, by providing accessible and affordable health services in the hands of every person with a mobile phone,” he said.

"With the GoGP+ app, the problem of self-medication and wrongful prescription will be put to rest,” Mwebesa added.

He said there are basically five steps one can go through to consult a doctor. One has to download the app from the app store or google play store. 

Then sign up by registering and log in using your email and password. User accounts are protected by email addresses and passwords according to Mwebesa.

 “Select the option of the doctor you need to consult with. The specialists include Allergists, Gynecologists, Dermatologists, Neurologists, Obstetricians, and Pediatricians among others,” he said.

He said payment of sh15,000 to consult a general practitioner and 30,000 for a consultant can be made through mobile money or visa card.

“Finally connect with your doctor via video and text chat. The doctor may request for a lab test and if required a lab request will be sent via the user’s registered email.

Both the doctor and patient have the ability to upload documents and images for both to view.

“The text transcript is available during future consultations for consulting doctors to review.

After the consultation with the doctor is closed, a report with a prescription is immediately sent to the patient’s email,’’ he said

He added; “At the patient’s request, the prescribed medicine can be sent to your location from our partner pharmacies.