ISLAMABAD: Public health expert Ayaz Kiyani on Sunday announced the launch of a website ‘EzPx Sehat’, which will allow users to book appointments with doctors of their choice.

Speaking at a local hotel, Mr Kiyani said the same way that people look for suitable, affordable air travel options; they will now be able to find suitable physicians for medical attention.

“Whenever we want to travel, we search which airline offers cheaper rates and when we get the higher discount and what time is suitable for us. Similarly, we are launching a website, ‘EzPz Sehat’, to offer this kind of service. The website will be accessible from computers and smartphones, and consumers will not have to pay for it,” he said.

“If a patient feels [like there is a problem], he can immediately pick up his smartphone and go to the website. There will be different filters to reach the right doctors easily, and the user will also be able to select the doctor’s qualification, specialisation and fee. He will even be able to select the language in which he wants to converse with the doctor.”

Mr Kiyani said similar websites have been launched in the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Australia and India.

‘EzPz Sehat’ will initially be launched in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi

“Patients will see the free slots in which they can get appointm ents. And if a patient wants to get checked by a specific doctor, he can choose which clinic and where there will be a lower fee.”

Mr Kiyani told Dawn that the user will receive a confirmation when the appointment is booked, and will be able to cancel at any time. He added that if the doctor is not at the clinic, the doctor will send a message to the website that will be forwarded to all those who have booked appointments.

“In the future we will also options for patients to comment on the doctor’s behaviour and other users will be able to check the comments before making an appointment,” he said.

“Moreover, in the future patients will be able to get treatment online. For that, they would have to upload their reports on the website cloud and then discuss their issues with the doctor,” he added.

The service will initially be available in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

Pain management specialist Brig. Asif Gul said the website has been made around the idea of convenience and digital empowerment, to provide users with sufficient data to find the right doctor.

Participants at the event were informed that the website would work like a Google search engine, and will provide services to 1.03 million internet users in the twin cities, 2.41 million users in Lahore and 7.05 users in Karachi.

The number of specialist physicians in the country is around 60,000, half of which work in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Peshawar.

Dr Salma Zahid said the website would allow her to save time, by facilitating improved time management at her practice.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2016