Medical advice a dial away

The Ministry of Health on May 2 launched the health help centre (HCC) nationwide after the trial launched in February this year proved successful.

Speaking at the launch in Thimphu, the health minister, Lyonpo Zanglay Dukpa, said that HHC was initiated on the basis of equity and justice in healthcare services to the people of Bhutan.

HHC is an initiative under the ‘Accelerating Bhutan’s Socio-economic Development (ABSD) programme with the aim to provide access to health services within one hour, 24×7 from anywhere and anytime. HHC provides two distinct services: ‘Emergency Response’ and ‘Healthcare Helpline’ through the use of the toll free number, 112, which is accessible from mobile phones as well as fixed land lines.

As part of the ‘Emergency Response Services’, a patient in emergency can call the toll free number 112 and request an ambulance at the incident location. The nearest ambulance identified using Geographical Information System (GIS) or Global Positioning System (GPS) technology at the HHC will be dispatched to the location to pick up the patient and transport him or her to the nearest health facility.

As part of ‘Healthcare Helpline Services’, patients can call 112 and seek medical advice, counseling,  healthcare facility information  and  lodge complaint or report an epidemic outbreak. HHC paramedics will provide medical advice with assistance of Clinical Assessment Software (CAS).

There are 61 ambulances in 37 locations with 59 emergency medical technicians around the country, who will render services around the clock. The ambulances will be equipped with GIS or GPS, which will help them locate and dispatch the team to pick up the patient.

“We hope our people will make use of this facility and not misuse it in order that they will lead a happy and healthy life,” said lyonpo Zanglay Drukpa.

The HHC is centrally monitored where the computer acts as a professional doctor. It will fill the gap between qualified health expertise and the people seeking medical advice.

“To be healthy is the most important aspect in human life. You don’t have to know any doctors, you just have to dial the three-digit number and get medical help,” said Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, who was the chief guest at the launch.

According to doctors, with the heath help centre system, there is no possibility of giving false or half-baked information as medical advice. The medical advice is consistent and medically approved.

By Meena & Yasuda