MANILA, Philippines — Filipino seafarers –
who make up about a quarter of the world's sailors – now have a secure,
convenient, and affordable means to receive medical counseling and health
coaching even while at sea.
Wireless leader Smart Communications, Inc.
(Smart) has partnered with MediCall, a pioneer and a leading clinical services
provider, to offer a pioneering health advisory and coaching service to
Filipino seafarers via Smart Link.
Smart Link, the country’s first and only
prepaid satellite telecommunication service, provides coverage to seafarers
sailing within Asia-Pacific, Indian Ocean, Middle East, Africa, and some parts
of Europe and the Mediterranean.
The partnership makes it possible for Filipino
seafarers to talk to a MediCall nurse with a simple phone call, even while at
sea.
“We initiated this service to help ensure the
health and wellness of Filipino seafarers by providing them a direct line to
professional healthcare assistance while they are out at sea, which can
sometimes go as long as months,” said Tina Mariano, head of Smart’s Global
Access Group, which offers the Smart Link service.
“Despite wellness briefings done prior to
sailing, and the emergency medical response mechanisms established onboard,
many seafarers would still be more comfortable to confer and receive health
coaching over the phone. This Smart Link service answers that need,” added
Mariano.
Using the Smart Link satellite phone service
deployed across 7,500 maritime vessels all over the world, a seafarer needing
assistance simply needs to dial Access Codes 3621 (DOC1) or 3622 (DOC2) to
reach MediCall nurses.
“Eight years ago, MediCall started with just
three nurses, now we have grown to hundreds of nurses. This tie-up with Smart
gives us the opportunity to give back by having our home-grown nurses provide
remote services to Filipino seafarers,” said Jeff Williams, President and
Founder of MediCall Philippines, Inc.
To make the process as convenient and
inexpensive, the seafarer will pay for the call and the consultation fee based
on the duration of the consultation, at only P50 per minute. This will be
charged to the Smart Link subscriber’s account. Smart offers a slew of unique
and relevant services designed for the Filipino seafarer and his family.
For more information on these, go to
www.smart.com.ph.
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