Google To Ease Virtual Healthcare Searches Through Maps

This initiative has come in response to Google's observation related to the growing number of searches for virtual healthcare and telemedicine.

Photo: Getty Images, AFP

As a result of lockdown to control the spread of Covid 19, it has become difficult to visit doctors unless a critical need arises. However, Google is planning to add more virtual healthcare options on its search engine and mapping service. Once the changes are implemented by next week, you be able to look for virtual health care centres around you. The search engine will display virtual healthcare services, such as Livehealth Online, Amwell and Doctor on Demand on the top of the result page. In addition to this it will also reflect out-of-pocket, no insurance cost for a visit apart from the link that will connect you directly with the healthcare provider’s platform. Hospitals and doctor’s offices can add a link to their virtual healthcare facility which they are offering to patients. Besides Google Maps will also prompt dedicated webpages created to tackle the Covid 19 menace.  The company aims to give a new solution to people who are suffering from any other ailment besides Covid 19. In the wake of the pandemic, it has become difficult to access hospitals or opt for in-person visits because of the pressure on hospitals due to the outbreak. This initiative came in response to its observation related to the growing number of searches for virtual healthcare and telemedicine. “Health consultations over the phone or by video conference not only help alleviate strain on doctors’ offices and emergency rooms but are also recommended as an important way to protect patients and staff against COVID-19,” Google director of product management Julie Black wrote in the blog post. The United States becomes the first country to record more than 2,000 death due to Covid 19 in 24 hours, as 2,108 succumbed to the deadly disease, according to the Johns Hopkins University count.