Telemedicine or accessing healthcare either via call, video or chat has helped patients connect with doctors, as people perceive it safer than visiting outpatient departments (OPDs).Practo found that 80% of all telemedicine users were first-time consumers, and 44% of the tele-consultations were from non-metro cities.
In-person doctor visits dropped by 67% and Indians consulted their doctors twice a month using telemedicine.The health ministry had urged people to take advantage of telemedicine services during the lockdown.
Since then, usage of online consultation apps and medicine delivery services have been on the rise.“For long, telemedicine remained a luxury and convenience for many.