Online doctor consultations in Bengaluru increases amidst Omicron scare

Footfalls in hospitals picking up slowly now, say doctors

As India heads into a third wave of COVID-19 infections amidst the Omicron scare, doctor consultations are seeing a gradual rise. While physical consultations have not increased, people are turning to doctors seeking help online.

According to integrated healthcare platform Practo, there has been a 21% increase in GP consults in Bengaluru since December 31. “People in the age group of 21-30 years constituted 45% of all online consultations. Those aged between 31 and 40 years comprised 41% of consultations, while senior citizens covered 14%. Concerns were mostly raised about COVID-related symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache, body pain, and stuffy nose. There were also queries about Omicron, COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, and vaccines for children, among others,” a spokesperson told The Hindu.