By Peter Ogege
Delta State Ministry of Health, in partnership with Helium Health, has launched a training program to equip health workers in the state on the use of HeliumDoc, an innovative telemedicine platform designed to improve healthcare access, especially during emergencies and disasters.
The training, initiated in Asaba and attended by stakeholders from the Ministry and health workers from Oshimili South Local Government, aims to familiarize grassroots health workers with HeliumDoc’s functionalities and benefits.
In an interview, Angelica Edafeghwara, Public Health Analyst at Helium Health disclosed that HeliumDoc enables patients to connect with doctors remotely, facilitating timely medical help during disaster situations such as floods.
This tool allows users to reach medical professionals by dialing the USSD code *347*478#, thereby providing healthcare access without the need for internet or smartphones. Internet users can also access the service at www.heliumdoc.com
“Helium Doc AI is a tool used for telemedicine during disaster whereby a patient can call doctor and get medical help so they don’t get stranded in emergency situation” she said.
Mr. Emmanuel Odejerho, Delta State Health Promotion Officer, emphasized that this technology is a significant advancement for healthcare delivery in the state, particularly for those in rural areas prone to natural disasters.
He highlighted that in flood situations, affected individuals can use HeliumDoc to get medical assistance without physical constraints, ensuring no one is left stranded in emergencies.
HeliumDoc is part of Helium Health’s broader mission to transform healthcare across Africa by providing accessible, efficient digital health solutions that include telemedicine, appointment booking, and healthcare provider management.
This platform not only bridges the gap in healthcare access during disasters but also supports routine medical care and practice management for thousands of medical professionals.
Future plans include extending the training to more health workers across Delta State, aiming to strengthen emergency healthcare response and integrate digital health tools more widely at the community level.
This initiative aligns with efforts to digitize healthcare management and improve health outcomes through technology tailored to local needs, reinforcing the Delta State Government’s commitment to advancing healthcare delivery through innovative partnerships.
