Dr Du: Free mobile medical counsel

Dubai-based telecom operator du has unveiled a new service during this Ramadan, offering its customers free phone consultation facility with experienced and locally licensed doctors during the Holy Month.

“du is pleased to announce a special offer from Mobile Doctors during the Holy Month of Ramadan. This will allow new callers to the 24-7 Physician Helpline service to use it free of charge and obtain access to quality healthcare throughout this special time of the year,” the operator said in a media statement sent to Emirates 24/7.

“Customers can call 800 MD247 (800 63247) from their du phone and register to avail the offer,” it added.

Du said the 24x7 Physician Helpline was the first in the region to provide round-the-clock service and is operated by Mobile Doctors, licensed by Dubai Healthcare City, and networked by du.

While the physicians’ consultation is free of charge, du’s service apparently comes at a nominal price. “At less than 1 Dirham a day (terms apply), anyone, anywhere can speak to licensed and experienced physicians day and night over the phone,” the statement said. “They can address questions, follow-up on health concerns and guide patients to needed healthcare and quality clinical facilities,” it said.

The service is available in Arabic, English and Hindi.

“The well-being of our customers and colleagues is of utmost importance to us. The 24-7 Physician Helpline offers access to medical professionals who can answer questions, provide advice and recommendations at any time of day, ensuring a safe, healthy month for our customers, whether they are fasting or not,” said Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial officer, du.

“Offering this service free of charge is thanks to our partners, Mobile Doctors 24-7 International, and we would like to thank them for their consideration of our customers’ needs during this time.”

Adam Chilcote, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Mobile Doctors, said: “During the Holy Month of Ramadan, we at Mobile Doctors realise the importance of healthy eating and living during the period of fasting and want to support the community through this time with needed and relevant advice.”

24-7 Physician Helpline is an integral part of Smart Health, du’s portfolio of mobile health services.

“It is our privilege to make this service free of charge to all new users and provide 24-7 access to quality healthcare through our physician helpline. We offer patients timely care and convenience by providing those who call with the opportunity to speak directly with a local, licensed and qualified physician regarding any health needs,” added Chilcote.

“If you or your family members are unwell, have questions about diabetes, healthy eating, staying hydrated on hot summer days or any other health need -you may not be sure what to do, and it may seem like the emergency room is your only option. That is not true anymore. Patients who call our helpline with any health need or concern are able to speak with a physician, who will take as much time as a caller needs to understand their history, then assess and provide guidance regarding the best options available. We are excited that du is our local UAE partner in this endeavour,” he said.

du’s portfolio of mobile health services also Health Text, a bouquet of SMS-based content services to encourage people to stay healthy (e.g. Live Well) and Health Link, a strategic partnership with Ericsson to deliver remote monitoring solutions for the management of chronic diseases.

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