With the COVID-19 pandemic showing little or no signs of slowing down, hospitals have turned into one of the riskiest places to contract the virus. As the outbreak overwhelms the few healthcare facilities available to us in Pakistan, people must look towards alternative means to solve their everyday health-related problems.

Considering this, Shifaam aims to make healthcare facilities accessible for everyone by providing remote access to doctors and patients throughout the country. Our virtual clinic allows for routine medical checkups and other healthcare related matters to be tended to by licensed healthcare specialists via video call to help stop the spread of the virus. Now there is no need for you or your family members to leave the house. You can easily access the following healthcare facilities using Shifaam’s digital healthcare platform from the safety and comfort of your home:

1. Free Online Consultations: Given the current situation, most of us are unable to go see a doctor for a simple consultation. Shifaam’s free consultations allow you to easily consult with a doctor or therapist via video call completely free of charge. You can choose your preferred doctor and consultation time, and book your appointment online for free. You’ll be connected to your doctor via video call at the time of your appointment.

• Step 1: Click ‘Free Consultations’ on the top left-hand corner of your screen
• Step 2: Select a doctor from the list of doctors available, or search for a doctor using the provided search filters
• Step 3: Proceed to click the ‘View Profile & Availability’ option for your chosen doctor and view the available time slots for their free clinic
• Step 4: Select the preferred time slot
• Step 5: Log in if prompted, and proceed to checkout
• Step 6: Once you have confirmed,you will be provided with a video URL for your consultation, which will start at the given time

1. Online Appointment Bookings: Leaving the house is not recommended unless absolutely necessary (i.e. for a medical emergency or to get food/supplies). Shifaam’s online appointment booking feature makes the labor of booking a doctor’s appointment as simple as a few taps on your smartphone screen. You can effortlessly browse through a list of specialists and book an appointment at a time that suits you best. The online appointment feature allows you to book a consultation with your doctor to either see them at their physical clinic or virtual clinic without the hassle of leaving your home.

• Step 1: Click ‘Book An Appointment’ on the top of your screen
• Step 2: Select a doctor from the list of doctors available, or search for a doctor using the provided search filters
• Step 3: Proceed to click the ‘View Profile & Availability’ option for your chosen doctor and view the available time slots for physical or virtual clinic
• Step 4: Select the preferred time slot
• Step 5: Log in if prompted, and proceed to checkout
• Step 6: Once you have completed payments, you will be provided with the relevant details for your scheduled consultation

1. Order Lab Tests from Home: Many types of lab tests can be ordered from home, where a lab technician can easily come for the sample collection (e.g. blood, urine, stool, or swab). Shifaam connects you to all diagnostic and laboratory facilities available in your area so that you can easily order lab tests at home. You can simply choose the lab and test of your choice (urgent infectious disease tests, normal diagnostic tests, or a prescribed test) and a lab technician will come to you for the sample collection. Results are shared with you once ready

• Step 1: Click ‘Lab Tests’ on the top right-hand corner of your screen
• Step 2: Select your city, your location is automatically selected for convenience but can be changed using the drop down selection
• Step 3: Choose the type of testing you would like to order and proceed
• Step 4: Add the lab test to your cart
• Step 5: Log in if prompted and proceed
• Step 6: Once you have completed payments, a lab technician will arrive for sample collection to the provided address

1. Online Pharmacy: Although leaving the house to go to a pharmacy is considered a necessity, it is preventable. You can use Shifaam’s online pharmacy to get medicines delivered swiftly to your doorstep. Upload your prescription or shop from a wide range of over-the-counter medicines and medical equipment.

• Step 1: Click ‘Pharmacy’ on the top right-hand corner of your screen
• Step 2: Log in if prompted and proceed
• Step 3: Browse the pharmacy to purchase OTC medicines and medical equipment, or upload a prescription and proceed
• Step 4: Once you have confirmed your order, your purchased items will be delivered to the provided delivery address

1. Free Counseling Services (Project Imdad): The pandemic is taking its heaviest toll on healthcare professionals and medical workers. Understanding this, the Center of Inclusive Care and Shifaam have initiated Project Imdad - offering free of cost counseling and support services for healthcare workers fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 battle. This project helps our healthcare heroes to unwind and distress before continuing their gallant efforts. Only doctors, nurses and certified healthcare professionals are eligible to avail this service.

• Step 1: Click ‘Project Imdad’ on the top left-hand corner of your screen
• Step 2: Select a doctor from the list of doctors available, or search for a doctor using the provided search filters
• Step 3: Proceed to click the ‘View Profile & Availability’ option for your chosen doctor and view the available time slots for their free clinic
• Step 4: Select the preferred time slot
• Step 5: Log in if prompted, and proceed to checkout
• Step 6: Once you have confirmed, you will be provided with a video URL for your consultation, which will start at the given time