In Bangladesh, accessing timely medical advice can be challenging, especially outside of urban centers. Recognizing this critical need, Grameenphone has enhanced its HealthLine service, a 24-hour medical call center designed to connect individuals with qualified doctors anytime, anywhere. This revitalized service underscores Grameenphone’s commitment to leveraging mobile technology to improve lives and bridge healthcare gaps.
The Grameenphone HealthLine service, operating in partnership with Telemedicine Reference Centre Ltd. (TRCL), offers a direct and immediate link to licensed physicians. By simply dialing ‘789’, Grameenphone subscribers can engage in a real-time teleconsultation to address a wide range of medical concerns, from urgent situations to routine health inquiries. This service acts as a virtual “Grameenphone Doctor,” readily available to provide guidance and support.
Beyond basic medical consultations, the 789 HealthLine extends its offerings to include a suite of supplementary medical information services. Callers can access crucial details about doctors and medical facilities, obtain drug information, receive assistance in understanding laboratory test results, and gain access to emergency support information. This comprehensive approach ensures that users have a wealth of health-related resources at their disposal through a single point of contact.
To further improve user experience and accessibility, Grameenphone has removed the previous registration requirement for the HealthLine service. Now, all Grameenphone subscribers can immediately benefit from this vital service simply by dialing 789. This streamlined access ensures that help is readily available when needed, eliminating unnecessary barriers to medical advice.
Recent upgrades have significantly expanded the capacity of the HealthLine call center. Currently, the dedicated team of physicians manages to provide medical consultations to approximately 10,000 callers daily. This substantial capacity demonstrates the scale and impact of the service in addressing the healthcare needs of a large population.
The cost for accessing a Grameenphone doctor via 789 remains affordable and accessible. The call charges are set at BDT 15 for the initial three minutes, and BDT 5 per minute thereafter. Plans are also underway to extend this service to non-Grameenphone subscribers and non-mobile users in rural areas through Grameenphone Community Information Centers and Village Phones, further broadening its reach and impact.
The re-launched HealthLine service has injected new vitality into this unique healthcare solution. In a country where the doctor-to-patient ratio is significantly imbalanced, with approximately one doctor for every 4000 individuals, Grameenphone’s HealthLine service plays a crucial role. It effectively delivers primary healthcare advice to people across both rural and urban landscapes, acting as a critical resource in a resource-constrained environment.
The significance of the Grameenphone HealthLine service has been internationally recognized, receiving the GSM Association Award in 2007 for “Best Use of Mobile for Social & Economic Development”. This accolade highlights the service’s pioneering role and lasting contribution to improving healthcare access through mobile technology.
For more information, please contact:
Information Department
Grameenphone Ltd.
Phone: 9882990
Email: [email protected]
