Belgium’s biggest operator seeks to streamline access to health services and claims a first for the country.
Proximus is to launch Doktr, an video-based, teleconsultation service that allows patients access to basic primary care from a qualified doctor quickly and securely.
The operator says a team of doctors accredited by the national institute that validates the qualifications of medical staff – the RIZIV/INAMI – safe login via itsme and a data privacy policy “ensure a top-quality experience for the patient”.
The application can also be used by doctors to increase their efficiency in dealing with existing patients.
First step
Proximus claims that the launch of Doktr “marks a first concrete step in Proximus’ ambition to bring relevant, innovative digital solutions to the field of eHealth and contribute to a future-proof healthcare environment for Belgium”.
The pandemic is expected to result in a slew of eHealth solutions: the healthcare sector is worth about $8.5 trillion annually – about five times more than telecoms – according to Deloitte.
The new service is part of Proximus’ strategy to move beyond connectivity services and work with partners to offer digital solutions “for people to live better and work smarter”.
It follows initiatives in education, financial services and smart advertising, and aims to relieve pressure on care givers and empower patients.
Local partners
Proximus saw the opportunity to engage with ecosystems of local players to rethink complex local problems and initiated discussions with a variety of stakeholders across the healthcare landscape – including RIZIV/INAMI, the Order of Doctors, health insurance funds and doctors’ associations.
It presented its vision and designed the service based on their feedback.
Proximus is working with Doktor.se, a Swedish eHealth platform provider with extensive experience in running similar services in the Nordics for several years.
The app will evolve and have features added to unlock more possibilities and increase convenience for patients and doctors. Proximus also intends to explore the potential of other initiatives in the eHealth domain.