The EC development will feature kiosks that enable residents to consult doctors virtually. Photo: Facebook
The residents of OLA, an upcoming executive condominium (EC) in Sengkang, will be able to receive medical consultations and medicine right on their doorstep.
This will be made possible through the telehealth services offered by HiDoc, in partnership with Evia Real Estate and Malaysia-based developer Gamuda Land, reported The Straits Times.
Telehealth refers to healthcare being delivered remotely via telecommunications technology.
It “benefits the elderly but it also is for everyone”, said HiDoc Chief Executive Dr Christina Low.
“It is good for general practice services where patients can reach out to doctors remotely, but also for those who have follow-up cases for specialist care. For instance, a patient who has to see an orthopaedic surgeon post-surgery can do it through teleconsultation rather than queueing at the hospital and waiting to be seen again.”
The 548-unit OLA is set to be completed by December 2026, however the project is expected to TOP in December 2023.
HiDoc will put up a kiosk in a room within the development so that residents can consult doctors virtually, with the medication delivered within hours. It features a webcam and touchscreen which will allow patients to conduct video-enabled consultations.
It will also feature sensors and devices to take patients’ temperature, blood pressure and heart rate, among others.
After seeing a patient via webcam at the kiosk, the doctor can proceed with a digital prescription at an e-pharmacy.
“It is about bringing the continuity of care right into the patients’ homes,” added Low.
Aside from this, telemedicine can also help those who are handling chronic illnesses like diabetic patients, as they can be monitored remotely and asked to come only when necessary.
The kiosk will be unmanned but will provide an emergency telephone in case a patient needs assistance.
However, it does not replace the need to conduct a personal consultation if the situation requires. “If needed, the person will still need to go and see a doctor, whether it is to visit one of our doctors at their clinic or to go to their own neighbourhood GP,” clarified Low.
Evia Real Estate director Vincent Ong also said patients can avail the consultations for free, but they will have to pay for the medicine and the required delivery fees. Additionally, the setting up of lockers in the condominium where the patients can collect their medicine will also be considered.
“It might be a slight incentive in the future for buyers, but for me, it is really about wanting to save a life and help someone (in need) to see a doctor,” said Ong.
The HiDoc telehealth kiosk will be exhibited to the public at OLA’s show gallery on 15 February.
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Victor Kang, Digital Content Specialist at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email victorkang@propertyguru.com.sg
