Every person using smartphones in India is today present on social networking site Twitter, Facebook or WhatsApp. There are some people who are using these platforms to help patients. They direct them about treatment, make necessary suggestions after surgery and other medical suggestions.
“We use WhatsApp, Skype and Viber indiscriminately to reach the patients at the Indian Spine Inaris Center in the national capital.” We use WhatsApp, Skype and Viber indiscriminately. Currently more than 180 patients are in touch with us on WhatsApp, while 30, who are taking advantage of online consultation on Skype. “
14.3 crore people in India are currently using social media, out of which 2.5 crore people are from rural areas.
The tendency to provide online medical facilities through the Internet is increasing rapidly in India. Take the case of Anil Kalra (27), who came to light in December 2012. After the operation at the Indian Spinal Injury Center, he had a rehabilitation for four months.
During this time, doctors kept suggesting them on Skype for 45 minutes daily for six weeks. Kalra is very happy with online consultation and is now healthy. Dr. Chhabra said, “Kalra’s case reflects the importance of internet and social media.”
Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, a female pathologist who runs an IVF center in Delhi, is also using social media for the welfare of patients. He said, “I use Twitter, Facebook and YouTube for creative talks with my patients. Social media is playing a very important role in the field of healthcare. There is a need to spread awareness among people.”
Dr. SS Sibia, who runs a Sibia Medical Center in Ludhiana, said, “The strength of networking in the field of medicine should not be underestimated. Many patients are joining us with social media. Many of them have gained important information about their illness on Facebook and WhatsApp, as well as possible treatment.”
He said, “It has saved the lives of many people.”
New Delhi -based Max Super Specialty Hospital has connected many patients of breast cancer on WhatsApp to experts, who are ready to provide them with consultation.
Dr. Anupama Hooda, director of Medical Oncology at Max Hospital, said, “We have radiation oncology and oncosurgery experts in the WhatsApp group. So whenever a patient asks something, the available experts answer him.”
Recently, in a survey conducted in the US, about 57 percent of people have expressed interest in reaching their doctors on Facebook and e-mail.
