DW BUREAU / chandigarh Keeping in view the ongoing threat of COVID-19, the Punjab Government has extended the timings of eSanjeevaniOPD from 8 am to 2 pm (Monday to Saturday) for Gynaecology OPD and General OPD services. This step has been taken to provide the online teleconsultation facilities utilizing specialist doctors to be available virtually in real time for patients and to ensure the safety of people across the State. Giving details in a press release, Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said that earlier people were faced with problems to get the benefits of eSanjeevaniOPD service due to the conditions of minimum 2 Mbps internet speed on their laptop/computer only, but now an android mobile app is also available for patients, so that there is no dependence on laptop or personal computer. They can avail teleconsultations using their smartphones directly. He said that the eSanjeevaniOPD mobile app can easily be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Explaining the simple registration process, the Minister said that firstly, the patient should verify his/her number on the eSanjeevaniOPD mobile app, then generate a token after registration. After that, the beneficiary should go through the login process upon getting a notification and wait for his/her turn to be attended. Then, consult the specialist doctor for getting advice for treatment and download an e-prescription duly signed by the doctor. Divulging about the features of eSanjeevaniOPD, Mr. Sidhu said that telemedicine would be prove a boon for patients across the State in future also, as many people need day to day medical advice and consultations for prevalent chronic diseases. Besides telemedicine for General Medicine, Health department has also commenced the eSanjeevani OPD for Gynaecology services to ensure the Mother and Child Health (MCH) care. He said that it can also prove helpful to avoid the rush at hospitals in the wake of COVID-19. The Health Minister further stated that pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy are at a high risk of contracting infections from the hospitals and should avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital. So, to seek antenatal care and provide Gynaecological services to pregnant women and lactating mothers, the Punjab Government has been providing eSanjeevani OPD for MCH since the 1st of June, 2020. The Minister also appealed to the public that it is safer to stay at home and avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital and other crowded places. (editor@dailyworld.in)