In 2015, Flex, a Fortune 500 firm, reached out to HealthTap for assistance with employees affected by flooding in Chennai, India.
Telehealth provider HealthTap SOS responded by launching its disaster relief service, HealthTap SOS. This solution is available to population managers-including governments and multinational corporations-and provides access to top doctors via any mobile device or web connection.
HealthTap SOS
When disasters strike, access to proper medical care can be limited. That is why HealthTap has launched the HealthTap SOS service – connecting multinational corporations, governments and insurance companies with top doctors in real time.
SOS is a mobile app that enables members of these organizations to ask questions, receive advice and even video chat with doctors. These consultations are provided by specialists across 141 specialties, including mental health specialists.
Crisis can strike at any moment, and it is essential that we remain connected with loved ones and obtain information as quickly as possible. That is why a variety of ventures from Florida’s to Boston-based American Well and California-based HealthTap have offered their services to victims.
HealthTap’s first disaster relief initiative was when it helped employees of Flex (formerly Flextronics) in Chennai, India recover after flooding in December 2015. Through its network of doctors and specialists, HealthTap provided thousands of residents with life-saving advice on avoiding infection caused by stagnant pools of contaminated water.
Hurricane Harvey
As Hurricane Harvey dumped rain and floodwaters across parts of Texas, thousands needed urgent help. Among the many organizations responding to this disaster were healthcare organizations from across America.
HealthTap’s SOS program is providing free telehealth services to those affected by the hurricane, helping patient’s access care without having to worry about transport or accommodations. Sunrise, Florida-based is also providing special telehealth hotlines to assist clients.
Direct Relief staff were on-the-ground in Texas to assess needs and make deliveries to clinics there. As water levels rose, Direct Relief sent out Emergency Health Kits with enough medicines to treat 100 patients for 3 to 5 days.
During the storm, Direct Relief made several emergency deliveries to clinics in Houston, Katy and Beaumont. These shipments included medicine and other essential supplies. Furthermore, the organization shipped a large amount of insulin from Eli Lilly and Company for diabetics living in those areas.
Hurricane Irma
Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria struck the US in 2017 leaving devastating effects on communities throughout Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.
HealthTap is honoured to be part of the disaster relief efforts for each storm by providing its special SOS services for anyone affected. Through our Health Operating System (HOPES), proprietary triaging technology and global network of over 100,000 top doctors, we give patients immediate access to world-class care they need.
We’re proud to support non-governmental organizations, many of which are faith-based. These groups assist people in recovering by raising funds, offering assistance and educating the community about the process.
Chennai Floods
In December 2015, the Chennai Floods struck and claimed over 400 lives. These contaminated water supplies caused grave health and safety risks for the city.
Government officials and first responders in the city faced a myriad of difficulties while dealing with this disaster. They had to conduct rescue operations, coordinate between departments, restore utility services that had been disrupted, and provide basic necessities to those affected by it.
Flooding brought together a range of stakeholders, such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups and private organizations to aid flood victims.
Conclusion
HealthTap strives to guarantee its members access to comprehensive healthcare and provides ongoing guidance to manage conditions and slow disease progression, potentially avoiding costly trips to the doctor. Its commitment to innovation, growth, and sustainability has earned recognition as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum.
