Airtel has tied-up with Religare Technologies and its healthcare delivery arm Fortis Healthcare, which will act as its knowledge partner, to launch Mediphone, a telephone based health care advice or tele-triage service. Religare Technologies is supported by Medibank Health solutions, Australia for Technology Solutions which has licensed its software engine. The 24X7 service will allow Airtel subscribers to call and speak with credited Doctors and Nurses, and avail health care advice on their mobile phone. To access this service the customer has to call 54445 from his mobile phone, following which an IVR will connect him to a qualified medical professional. The cost of each consultation is Rs. 35 only and the charges are reflected in the user's bill (for postpaid users) or deducted from account balance (prepaid). An SMS of the advice offered will be sent to the customers. Since the service's launch, early this month, it claims to be taking 1,000 calls in a week, according to The Hindu Businessline. The service is presently available in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, J&K and Himachal Pradesh, however, Airtel plans to extend it to all its circles. According to Airtel, the health officers receiving the call will have a minimum qualification of Bachelor of Science (Nursing), Bachelor of Pharmacy or Diploma in Pharmacy/BDS/BHMS. Doctors operating as team leaders will have a minimum qualification of MBBS/MD or MS. They will have a minimum experience of one year in providing medical care. The service offers: - Medical advice including self care, doctor’s…
