An emergency online platform was created by the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).
Called SINU Telemedical, this digital platform is part of SINU’s plans to respond to emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the local university, SINU Telemedical will continue to be in operation during the state of public health emergency and will continue when classes return to normal.
The digital platform was created to encourage staff and students to seek medical attention from the SINU registered nurses instead of frequenting the public health clinics.
SINU registered nurse, Florence Nokali said the platform provides assistance to anyone having a fever and showing signs and symptoms of the flu.
“They will directly call the phone via mobile or online messenger Apps like Viber and WhatsApp. Then we will identify and send them straight to the covid surveillance team via call”, Ms. Nokali says.
SINU Public Relation Officer Estee Lonamei says, telemedical is currently on standby. He said they are in standby mode as normalcy slowly returns.
“Just in case there is an outbreak then SINU will take action for their staff and students. Diagnoses will go directly to the SINU nurses that are in charge. They will assist accordingly”, Lonamei says.
The SINU Telemedical is working in liaison with the Solomon Islands Government (SIG). This is to support the University during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Solomon Islands National University Telemedical is located at the Panatina Campus.
A recent research says that the demand for telehealth will soar by 64.3% in the U.S and perhaps more globally in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts the practice of medicine and the delivery of healthcare.
The research, conducted by Frost & Sullivan, says the opportunity for telehealth products and services to become a standard of care is growing. The challenge facing these technology and healthcare providers will focus on their ability to scale-up to this unprecedented demand.