DOC2US Launches Virtual HIV Clinic & They're Providing Free Consultations To The Public
Malaysia's leading digital health service is making healthcare and medication for people living with HIV (PLHIV) accessible.
By Wayne Garreth — 29 May 2023, 12:53 PM
While it is possibly surprising to some, many Malaysians may not be aware that the HIV and AIDS crisis in the country has been a prevalent battle since the 1980s
According to a report by the Ministry of Health in 2020, only 87% of a pool of 92,063 individuals living with HIV in Malaysia were aware of their status, with an even smaller percentage actually receiving treatment for the virus.
On top of that, the United Nations also revealed that Malaysia was one of the few countries which together accounted for over 95% of all new HIV infections in the Asia-Pacific region in 2016, a staggering contribution to the influx of the condition.
Though as a nation, Malaysia has set its sights on achieving the global HIV target of 95-95-95, which is that 95% of all people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Malaysia will know their HIV status, 95% of those who are diagnosed will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those receiving treatment will have viral suppression, there is still some way to go before we are able to meet this goal.
A red ribbon, which has become an international symbol for AIDS awareness and is worn in support of people living with HIV (PLHIV).
Image via Anna Shvets/PexelsIn conjunction with International AIDS Memorial Day 2023, the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) and the nation's leading digital health provider, DOC2US, has launched Malaysia's first virtual HIV clinic
As Malaysia's principal non-profit organisation (NGO) which supports and coordinates the efforts of working on HIV and AIDS issues, MAC's collaboration with DOC2US to open additional options of care for individuals living with HIV has been groundbreaking.
In response to the virtual HIV clinic initiative, MAC President Associate Professor Dr Raja Iskandar Shah Raja Azwa stated how great it is to see a significant increase in telemedicine and virtual platforms available for medical consultations for individuals at risk of HIV post-COVID-19.
"Telemedicine is certainly the way forward, but patient selection is key. COVID has shown us the importance of embracing technology and we welcome future collaborations with DOC2US," said the MAC President in a statement regarding the launch of the virtual clinic.
For now, consultation with the virtual HIV clinic is available every Wednesday from 1pm to 5pm.
Official poster for the launch of the Virtual HIV Clinic by DOC2US.
Image via DOC2US (Provided to SAYS)Beyond providing an alternative avenue for PLHIV and members of the public to seek free medical consultations on HIV and STD-related matters, the platform also allows people to obtain self-test kits, lab test referrals, and e-prescriptions
The process is super simple, too.
Here's everything you need to know to sign up for the free consultation:
1. Register for an account using the QR code below or by clicking here
2. Download the DOC2US app, available on the App Store, Google Play, and AppGallery
3. Sign into your account
4. Scroll down to the "Our Professional Services" category, and click the "HIV/STD Clinic" option
A reminder to all users that the clinic is open every Wednesday from 1pm to 5pm for free consultations.
Here's a clearer look at the App for users to download:
Speaking on his hope for the initiative, chief executive officer (CEO) and co-founder of DOC2US, Dr Raymond Choy, stated that the service aims to enable equal access to healthcare and medication regardless of a person's background
Embellishing on the digital space being a readily accessible and indiscriminate facility for all members of the public, Dr Choy had this to say about the virtual clinic:
Understanding the stigma, discrimination, and other challenges that PLHIV and key populations might face, we hope to provide a virtual outlet that enables people in need to seek treatment and care in confidence
The Ministry of Health announced late last year that PrEP, the primary HIV prevention drug, is available for free to all Malaysians:
