New Delhi: amid an increase in tourism in Europe, marked by the recent UNWTO data, the influx of tourists threatens to intensify the pressure on Europe’s already overburdened emergency services. Unaware of local health systems, tourists frequently use emergency departments for non-emergency situations, exacerbating existing staff shortages and wait times. Innovative Italian startup Doctorsa is tackling this challenge by using telemedicineexemplifying the innovation caused by the crisis.
The world of the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reveals that European inbound travel has impressively recovered to 90% of pre-pandemic figures in the first quarter of 2023. However, this increase in tourist traffic risks amplifying the current health crisis to the one faced by European countries, marked by a critical shortage of medical personnel and a struggle to maintain functionality in emergency medicine departments
Tourists embarking on their vacation are often assumed to be in good health, or at least not suffering from any immediate medical conditions. However, a recent study revealed a startling truth: tourists frequently visit emergency departments (EDs), at a rate that is almost half the frequency of the local population. Tourists, being away from their regular doctors and unfamiliar with the local healthcare system, often resort to emergency rooms for non-emergency health problems.
This not only increases the burden on these critical facilities, but also leads to a negative experience for the visitors themselves, who face long wait times for minor ailments.
The solution may be in telemedicine Platforms like Doctorsa, which are designed for travelers, offering a personalized solution to their healthcare needs. Tourists can quickly access an English-speaking doctor through their smartphones, no matter what time it is, be it night, day or even on holidays. The cost of a consultation is reasonable, ranging between 12 and 40 euros. This makes the service accessible to a wide variety of travelers, from budget backpackers staying in hostels to luxury seekers at luxury resorts.
Telemedicine enables optimal use of medical resources without being hampered by geographic limitations. For example, a tourist visiting Venice could receive medical assistance from a doctor hundreds of miles away if he is available. This system not only improves the efficiency of the distribution of healthcare resources, but also ensures that patients have broader and faster access to healthcare.
In addition, Doctorsa offers tourists the possibility to consult with their regular doctors, who can diagnose and prescribe treatments online, which are then ratified by locally licensed doctors via telehealth.
As Europe prepares for a strong peak summer season, the collaboration between Doctorsa and the local health systems it could be the game changer that ensures a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for all travelers.
