Telkom Kenya has partnered with Valentis Health, to provide subsidized telemedicine services to the Telco’s customers dubbed “Dial Daktari”. In the deal, Telkom Kenya subscribers are set to access medical consultations from Valentis Health at reduced prices using their mobile phones. Valentis Health is a doctor-founded healthcare service that provides telemedicine services in the country. In the wake of current outbreak that has forced many Kenyans to practice social distancing, companies are embracing technology to offer services through the use of internet without requiring customers to be present at their offices.
The Dial Daktari initiative will give Telkom Kenya customers access to credible board licensed doctors that can be reached using a mobile phone. The service comes at a perfect time when patients are encouraged to observe social distancing as a measure to help curb the spread of the current pandemic.
How Telkom Kenya customers can access Dial Daktari on their phones;
If you have a Telkom line, you can access the service toll-free by calling 0800-221-011. A care manager will then walk you through triage and then assign you to a doctor for a consultation. In case you’ll need a prescription, one will be issued by the doctor and will be sent directly to one of various partnering pharmacies or directly to you. Dial Daktari will also make referrals to specialists or to laboratories for further investigations. In emergency cases, Dial Daktari will facilitate the dispatch of an ambulance to the patient for further assessment and transfer to a hospital.
The cost of teleconsultation will be KSh.450, exclusive to Telkom Kenya customers and can be paid via a T-Kash through Paybill Number 144563. On top of the telephone consultations, patients can opt to download the Valentis Health App which will enable them track symptoms, communicate with doctors via text as well as through video consultations. With Mental Health becoming an increasing and rising concern in this time, Dial Daktari has a team of counsellors to assist patients experiencing acute stress and anxiety.
Speaking on the development, the Founder and CEO of Valentis Health Dr. Don OTHORO said the integration of online and offline healthcare meant that doctors were able to deliver seamless consultations, just as they would in person. He also acknowledged the need to exercise social distancing and avoid unnecessary visits to health care facilities where patients may put themselves or others at risk of infection.
With this in mind, telemedicine has become an integral part of primary health care, enabling patients to seek medical attention for other medical conditions as well enquire about their symptoms, he added.
Telkom’s Chief Executive Officer Mugo KIBATI on his end acknowledged how technology will continue to play an integral part in the lives of Kenyans, more so now that it is enabling them to make the switch to conducting their affairs, virtually, from home.
The current situation has forced most organizations in the country to let their staff work from home while learning institutions embark on e-learning to continue offering lessons to learners. The impact extends further to the general public who now utilize virtual socialization while medical centers deploy consultation via phone. In conclusion, Mr. KIBATI pointed out how the partnership with Valentis Health, demonstrated the role technology can play to bridge the gap of people, physicians and health systems, enabling patients to stay at home and communicate with doctors.