Covid-19: New national medical support hotline to provide free medical advice on Covid-19
More than 450 medical doctors across the country have voluntarily committed their professional time and expertise to the initiative.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2020/03/Doctors-on-call.jpg)
A national medical support hotline has been launched to assist South Africans in response to Covid-19, as the number of confirmed cases in the country passes the 1 300 mark.
More than 450 medical doctors across the country have voluntarily committed their professional time and expertise to the initiative which has been supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Doctors Healthcare Coalition (KZNDHC), Usizo Advisory Solutions and Vula.
Callers will be charged the normal cost of a call, however, you do not pay to talk to the doctor.
Professor Morgan Chetty, head of the healthcare coalition and member of a task team, who assisted with the government’s coordinate response to the pandemic said, “Defeating this epidemic will require unprecedented support from all stakeholders in South Africa, both public and private. This support demonstrates good corporate citizenship and contributes towards protecting our employees, customers and the sustainability of the business, in our country.”
Project leader, Dr Anuschka Coovadia said by supporting this programme, it can help flatten the curve and save our health system from being overwhelmed, protect our economy and help save lives.
The Doctor on Call hotline will offer a Covid-19 medical helpline, provide support and immediate advice to concerned callers. The service operates on weekdays from 8am until 5pm and is a dedicated unit of doctors.
You should call when:
- You have symptoms of the coronavirus
- You have travel history and feel you might be exposed
- Been in contact with a positive case through any means
- To get more information on Covid-19.
Doctors on Call hotline number is 087 0550 234.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).