Telehealth and medical services at one's fingertips: Almaty's strategies to combat COVID-19
In the heart of Almaty, a Telemedicine Center has become a vital resource for the city's residents, offering a wide range of medical services within easy reach. With over 50 specialists on board, the center provides around-the-clock consultations and analyses for patients undergoing outpatient treatment.
The center has been instrumental in improving Almaty's epidemiological situation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the ongoing health crisis, Almaty currently remains in the "green" zone regarding COVID-19 spread. The Telemedicine Center has played a crucial role in managing patient care by enabling remote consultations, reducing healthcare facility crowding, and monitoring patients with mild symptoms at home.
One such resident who has benefited from the Telemedicine Center is Fedor Kolomiets, another resident of the Turksib district. He scheduled an appointment at the center and had a smooth experience with no complaints. Aлена Bychenkova, another resident of the Turksib district, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the Telemedicine Center provides various medical services, including tests. Her child, who had a heart condition, received a full medical service, including MRT, at the center.
The Telemedicine Center also offers appointments that can be scheduled in advance, making it convenient for residents to plan their healthcare needs. Conditions are being created in Almaty to provide primary medical and social assistance to residents within walking distance, and the Telemedicine Center is a key part of this initiative.
Moreover, many microdistricts in Almaty are opening family-medical ambulatories, complementing the services offered by the Telemedicine Center. The Altay Ambulatory, equipped with modern equipment, opened last year in the Turksib district and serves over 11,000 people.
While the Telemedicine Center does not prescribe medication, it provides recommendations such as increased fluid intake, quarantine adherence, and natural immunity boosting. It also monitors if patients are violating quarantine and makes video calls when necessary to check on their condition.
Despite the absence of specific data or reports from the Telemedicine Center or Altay Ambulatory in the Turksib district regarding their contributions or resident feedback during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that these institutions play a significant role in providing accessible and comprehensive medical services to the residents of Almaty. For precise information, local health department reports, direct statements from the institutions, or recent studies on Kazakhstan’s COVID-19 response would be required.
Science and health-and-wellness intertwine within the Telemedicine Center, as it leverages advanced technology to provide a wide range of medical services, including tests, remote consultations, and monitoring for patients with mild symptoms. This approach, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has contributed significantly to Almaty's health-and-wellness landscape, ensuring accessible and comprehensive medical care.
