MTN and Sanlam are partnering to rollout a nurses' advisory line that they hope will assist the public with everyday health queries.
MTN CareConnect is the first healthcare offering from the new partnership between the mobile operator and Sanlam. The advisory line is being piloted on the East Rand this month.
“MTN CareConnect aims to make basic healthcare guidance about ailments, such as stomach aches, fevers, potential poisoning and general parenting tips related to children's health, among others, available to all South Africans,” said MTN in a statement.
Chief marketing officer of MTN, Serame Taukobong, says the service will be empowering to South Africans.
“With its independently operated call centre, callers can easily tap into the knowledge of qualified health professionals facilitated by Sanlam, as well as its extensive medical database,” says Taukobong.
Cutting costs
“The reality is that healthcare services are costly. Yet, even when just simple health-related education is required, many South Africans don't feel they are in a position to call on these services as consultation fees remain high.”
CEO of Sanlam Health Grant Newton says he is confident the public will be better informed about vital health education and information, “at a fraction of the price”.
Nursing professionals will be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering consultation in all 11 languages. The service will be charged at R5 per minute.
“Then, based on the health situation described by the caller, the nurses will either provide relevant health education and information, suggest the patient visits a medical facility, or route the call to the emergency services and assist with facilitating the dispatch of an ambulance, should that be necessary,” explains Newton.
National rollout
“We will by no means be attempting to replace any health services; we will merely provide alternatives to consumers unsure of the severity of their health query and hopefully alleviate the stress of smaller complaints on an already overloaded healthcare system,” states Taukobong.
MTN CareConnect will be rolled out in a staged approach, starting with Daveyton and Etwatwa, on the East Rand. The service is available on 083 903 4690.
According to MTN, a national rollout is planned towards the end of the year. Other services in the pipeline include a maternity programme, high blood pressure programme, and an electronic screening tool that will be added to its services.
MTN also says it is exploring further mobile health services for high demand ailments such as HIV, TB, diabetes and malaria.
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