9 December, Bishkek. The spread of coronavirus has become a serious challenge for healthcare systems around the world and in our country. Doctors are faced with an unprecedented burden, and digital solutions capable of alleviating it became more relevant than ever.

In April of this year, the United Nations Development Programme held a competition for innovative solutions, which received more than 70 entries. One of the winners was the Prime Clinic medical centre project, which makes it possible to facilitate the work of doctors and improve communication with patients. 

This initiative has eliminated the need for patients to go to clinics during the self-isolation period, reducing the risk of coronavirus infection. PrimeDoc's main goal is to make quality medicine accessible, as patients could consult with an ENT doctor, therapist, pulmonologist, endocrinologist, pediatrician, dermatovenerologist, neurologist and even a gynecologist using an online application. After a detailed consultation and assessment of the patient, PrimeDoc doctors give recommendations and invite the patient for a physical consultation at the clinic if necessary.

The service proved to be particularly effective for COVID-19 patients who could not leave home, but needed help and support. Doctors monitored patients remotely and were in constant contact. Thanks to the application, the remote consultations can now be done in a more convenient way.

As part of the Open Innovation Challenge competition, the United Nations Development Programme financially supported PrimeDoc in developing the first demo version of the Android-based mobile application, which has already been published on the Google Play Store. In addition, it supported the development of PrimeDoc's marketing products, which will help promote telemedicine among various population groups, form new user behaviour in Russian medicine and reduce negative attitudes towards digital health care.