KUALA LUMPUR (June 15): Ramsay Sime Darby Health Care (RSDH) has introduced its new digital health application with virtual access to its healthcare practitioners, called "Telehealth Plus", to provide virtual consultation for patients while at home.

In a statement today, RSDH, which is equally owned by Sime Darby Bhd and Ramsay Health Care, said as this platform is accessible via web browsers, tablets or smartphones, it aims to provide easy access for its over one million local and international patients, besides catering to patients who require general health screening.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in many struggling with hospital visits, its chief executive officer Greg Brown said RSDH invested in the digital platform to offer comprehensive services including video consultation for patients who prefer less frequent hospital visits.

“With its availability, we believe patients will be less prone to neglecting their health and seek medical attention more promptly from within the comfort of their home,” he said.

Brown said virtual consultation is not recommended for everyone, adding that doctors across the hospitals are only available for follow-up patients who have already had at least one in-person consultation.

“Patients can also upload test results and reports for doctors to review and due to this, virtual health screening can be done easily, with shorter waiting time for patients and consultations handled conveniently with a video call,” he said.

There are three RSDH facilities which started virtual clinics via ‘Telehealth Plus’ platform in June this year, namely Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Ara Damansara Medical Centre and ParkCity Medical Centre.

Moreover, patients can now receive follow-up care from healthcare professionals. The appointments can be made with allied health professionals including occupational and rehabilitation therapists.

Besides, the group said it currently has individual health service platforms for Malaysian hospitals as well as hospitals in Indonesia.

“Our medium-term plan is to have one integrated platform including our Patient Management System which includes electronic medical records for our group of hospitals in order to provide seamless services to meet patients’ evolving healthcare needs,” added Brown.

Through this new digital application, patients can make follow-up appointments and e-payments, while keeping track of consultation history with e-appointment cards.

Besides, medicine also can be prescribed via this service, with patients either opting for self-pickup or home delivery.