Internet-based fever services better use of hospital resources

In recent days, the number of infections across the country has been rising, with Beijing, in particular, seeing a drastic rise in cases. This, coupled with the high incidence of influenza this season, is posing a major challenge for the authorities in dealing with the new pandemic situation.

In response to the new situation and taking advantage of internet-based diagnosis and treatment services, the Beijing Municipal Health Commission recently released a list of hospitals that can provide internet-based medical services, the medical institutions that can carry out internet-based diagnosis and treatment, and community health service centers that can receive patients with 11 types of fever and other symptoms.

The release of the three lists not only marks a concrete arrangement Beijing has made in accordance with a recent notice issued by the top anti-pandemic authorities on expanding internet-based medical services for COVID-19 patients, but also marks Beijing's move to fully utilize all kinds of medical resources, both offline and online.

On the one hand, publishing the list provides more convenient medical treatment options for COVID-19 and influenza patients, choosing online medical services and staying at home can also help prevent cross-infection caused by contact. Knowing about community health centers that can receive 11 types of patients, people can choose the nearest medical services.

When patients use online medical services, it will relieve the pressure on offline clinics, which can then devote their resources to treating critical cases, thus ensuring that patients with underlying diseases or elderly COVID-19 patients receive timely treatment.

Relevant data show online inquiries about "fever" symptoms have increased 212 percent in the past week. This not only shows that the authorities' decision to support the development of internet-based medical diagnosis and treatment services has helped, but also that patients are increasingly trusting internet-based medical service providers. If medical institutions seize this opportunity to win public recognition, their development prospects will be brighter.

While encouraging the booming development of internet-based medical services, relevant authorities should also pay close attention to their performance, cracking down on non-standard behaviors according to the law, and promoting good models and practices.