MANILA — With many Filipinos now concerned about their health but unable to go to hospitals because of the lockdown or fears exposure to the coronavirus disease there, a number of medical companies and individual doctors have offered their services online or through phone calls.
Some have long been offering the service while others decided to do it to help decongest hospitals, which are now overwhelmed with people concerned that they might have COVID-19.
As of Friday afternoon, there have been 230 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. Of that number, 8 have recovered and 18 have died.
The World Health Organization has cited studies saying that 81 percent of COVID-19 cases are mild, 14 percent are severe and 5 percent are critical. Because of this, the Department of Health has advised those with mild symptoms to do home quarantine instead.
Here are health services available to the public online or through phone consultation:
DOH
The Department of Health has a dedicated emergency hotline for those who suspect they are infected with COVID-19.
DOH COVID-19 Hotline: (02) 8 952-6843
For PLDT, Smart, Sun and TNT subscribers: 1555
HMOs
Health maintenance organizations (HMO) have been offering teleconsulting services for their members. Below are details and the numbers to call:
Members who experience COVID-19 symptoms and other mild illnesses can call their 24/7 TeleConsult hotline at (02) 8582-1980. Licensed physicians take their calls and help you determine what your next steps should be.
Maxicare Teleconsult Hotline: (02) 8 582-1980
Members can try MyPocketDoctor by registering on their website. After activating their account, they can download the app and contact doctors 24/7 via phone call, Viber, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime and other online platforms.
Members can use the HMO's partner Medgate Philippines for remote services to get screening and treatment. It is also open 24/7.
Intellicare’s Medgate hotlines: (02) 8 705 0700; 09175362156 (Globe); 09989907540 (Smart); 09257147794 (Sun)
COVID-19 Hotline (02) 8 6517800 local 1149 or 1150.
Members are advised to use HeyPhil’s DigiConsult app so they won’t need to visit a hospital. No other details provided.
Members of the health insurance company can also avail of 24/7 teleconsultations via the MyPocketDoctor app.
Members can avail of the company’s Call-a-Doc service by calling (02) 8 705 0700; 09175362156; 09175362715; 09989907540; 09989907541; 09257147794; 09257147793.
HOSPITALS
- DE LOS SANTOS MEDICAL CENTER
DLSMC COVID-19 hotline: (02) 8 877 3884, Mondays to Fridays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
VOLUNTEER GROUPS
- The Coalition for People’s Right to Health and Council for Health and Development may be reached via Facebook Messenger or through the hotlines (02) 8 929 8109 and (02) 8 806 1306.
- The UP Diliman Psychosocial Services office gives phone and online counseling and psychotherapy. They are available Mondays to Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. via phone, Facebook, Skype, or Google Hangout. Contact UP PsycServ first through 09167573157 or bit.ly/PsycServ
- The Lung Center of the Philippines COVID Task Force has volunteer doctors offering free consultation related to COVID-19 through this Facebook page.
- The MDH Pulmonology Postgraduate Course Facebook page is offering free online consultation. Facebook users can send a message.
PAID SERVICES
This is a paid service but is meant to be affordable. Subscriptions are done via this link or 79880 toll-free via mobile (for Globe/TM customers) or (02) 7 798-8000.
There are also many doctors who have posted on Facebook offering free services. You may check their individual posts on social media.
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