• Published on: Jun 10, 2021
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Dr Rachana Choudhary

How To Travel Safely During COVID Times.

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As more people are vaccinated for COVID-19, many are looking forward to being able to travel again. While many restrictions have been lifted, COVID-19 has not gone away. So how safe is it to travel?

Vaccination- So what is the most important step to ensuring safe travel Without a doubt, the most important thing people can do to protect themselves is to get vaccinated for COVID-19. I recommend that all eligible people get vaccinated for COVID-19. That is going to dramatically decrease your risk of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and also dramatically decrease the risk that even if you were infected, you could transmit it to others.

Masks – The most important thing is to know if fully vaccinated travelers still required to wear a mask on an airplane. Yes, because we still have a considerable number of people in who are not vaccinated yet. And on airplanes, people are in close proximity for a longer period of time.

Beyond getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and wearing a mask in airports, and on planes, buses, and trains it's also still important to practice good hand hygiene and keep your area clean with disinfectant wipes.

Monitor Symptoms & Quarantine - What steps should we take when you return from travel? When people return from travel, some may wonder whether they should be tested for COVID-19. The need to test depends on where they're traveling from. There's no need to be tested and there's need to quarantine. Most importantly we should continue to monitor for symptoms.

If at any time during or after travel people start to develop symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19, such as, fever, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell, they should be evaluated by a provider and likely be tested for COVID-19.

What should people who are traveling with children do?

For families looking to plan a summer getaway with children who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated for COVID-19, they can still travel safely. It just takes a little bit of thought and planning. If you have children who are unvaccinated, that is probably not the time to bring them to areas where lots of people are congregating because we know they're still at risk of getting infected with COVID-19 if other people in that area are not vaccinated for COVID-19 and can transmit the virus. Even if your children are fastidious masking, there's still a risk.

If you have unvaccinated children, I think it's still safe to fly. But of course, they will always be masked. If you go to places that are more outdoors in more open space, where you're not congregated with lots of other people, I think it's very safe. You just have to think through the steps of what's going to happen on the vacation and position things so that you're not putting your unvaccinated children at risk."

Whether traveling or just attending events with large amounts of people, the bottom line is precautions still need to be taken.

We still do have people getting infected with COVID-19. We still have people being hospitalized. And, unfortunately, we still have people who are dying, as well. So, we're not completely done with this. We still have to be careful.

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Telemedicine Platform Comparison India: Evaluating the Best Digital Healthcare Providers

Telemedicine Platform Comparison India: Evaluating the Best Digital Healthcare Providers

Telemedicine has transformed the healthcare landscape in India by making medical services more accessible, affordable, and patient-friendly. With growing smartphone usage, improved internet penetration, and digital health adoption under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), teleconsultation platforms have become a primary mode of healthcare for millions. But with multiple platforms available, choosing the right one requires a proper telemedicine platform comparison India.

This blog provides a detailed comparison of India’s leading telemedicine providers and evaluates what sets SecondMedic apart in terms of accessibility, specialist availability, user experience, and overall digital healthcare value.

Why Telemedicine Is Growing Rapidly in India

The demand for digital healthcare platforms is driven by:

  • Busy lifestyles limiting hospital visits
     

  • Rising chronic diseases needing follow-ups
     

  • Rural populations needing specialist access
     

  • Post-pandemic digital health acceptance
     

  • Cost efficiency
     

  • Faster access to care
     

According to Statista, the telemedicine market size in India is increasing significantly, driven by digital transformation and patient willingness to adopt virtual care.

Key Parameters for Comparing Telemedicine Platforms

When comparing telemedicine platforms, users should evaluate the following:

1. Doctor Availability

The range of specialists available-cardiology, dermatology, pediatrics, gynecology, orthopedics, etc.-is crucial.

2. Pricing and Consultation Fees

Costs vary significantly between platforms. Affordable, transparent pricing determines long-term usability.

3. User Interface (UI/UX)

The platform must be easy to navigate, especially for elderly patients.

4. Appointment Wait Time

Faster access to doctors enhances the value of telemedicine.

5. E-Prescriptions

Availability of legal, digital prescriptions is essential for seamless continuity of care.

6. Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Platforms offering unified records improve patient experience.

7. Service Range

A good telemedicine platform should provide:

  • Teleconsultations
     

  • Second opinions
     

  • Remote monitoring
     

  • Home diagnostics
     

  • Preventive health packages
     

SecondMedic is one of the few platforms offering this full ecosystem.

Comparison of Major Telemedicine Platforms in India

1. SecondMedic

Specialties: Full range including cardiology, dermatology, neurology
Strengths:

  • Instant teleconsultation
     

  • Online specialist access
     

  • Remote monitoring tools
     

  • Second opinion services
     

  • Preventive health packages
     

  • Strong chronic care management
     

  • Patient-first experience
     

  • Easy EHR access
    Best For: Those wanting comprehensive digital healthcare

     

 

2. Practo

Strengths:

  • Wide doctor network
     

  • Pharmacy integration
     

  • Lab test bookings
    Limitations:

     

  • Higher consultation fees
     

  • Variable doctor response times
     

 

3. Apollo 24/7

Strengths:

  • Strong specialist network
     

  • Integration with Apollo hospitals
    Limitations:

     

  • High cost
     

  • Limited remote monitoring features
     

 

4. Tata 1mg

Strengths:

  • Affordable consultations
     

  • Pharmacy + lab tests
    Limitations:

     

  • Limited specialist variety
     

  • Heavy focus on diagnostics and medicines rather than telemedicine
     

 

5. MFine

Strengths:

  • Good specialist availability
     

  • Partner-hospital model
    Limitations:

     

  • Service coverage varies
     

  • Less personalized care
     

 

This comparison shows that while multiple telemedicine platforms serve specific needs, SecondMedic provides a more integrated healthcare experience connecting consultations, preventive care, and chronic disease management.

What Makes SecondMedic Stand Out

1. Comprehensive Specialty Coverage

From general physicians to cardiologists, dermatologists, neurologists, endocrinologists, and pediatricians, SecondMedic covers major medical specialties.

2. Strong Chronic Disease Management

Continuous monitoring and scheduled check-ins help manage long-term conditions effectively.

3. Online Second Opinions

Patients needing specialist reassessment benefit from high-quality second opinions from top doctors.

4. Remote Monitoring Ecosystem

Compatible with digital ECGs, glucometers, BP monitors, and other wearable tools.

5. Affordable and Transparent Pricing

SecondMedic offers cost-effective consultations without hidden charges.

6. Easy-to-Use Interface

Designed for all age groups with minimal complexity.

7. Integration with Preventive Health Packages

Users can also book diagnostics, screenings, and wellness plans.

Importance of EHR in Telemedicine Platform Comparison India

Electronic Health Records improve:

  • Safety
     

  • Accuracy
     

  • Convenience
     

  • Treatment continuity
     

SecondMedic’s EHR system is aligned with ABDM guidelines, making health data secure and portable.

User Experience and Accessibility

A good telemedicine platform must offer:

  • Multilingual support
     

  • Low-bandwidth compatibility
     

  • Easy appointment scheduling
     

  • Quick report upload
     

SecondMedic excels in offering a smooth, user-friendly experience.

Future of Telemedicine Platforms in India

The next evolution includes:

  • AI-assisted triage
     

  • Wearable tech integration
     

  • Predictive health alerts
     

  • Virtual healthcare kiosks
     

  • Full ABDM interoperability
     

SecondMedic is aligning with these innovations to build the next-generation digital healthcare ecosystem.

Conclusion

Telemedicine platform comparison India reveals that while several platforms offer strong digital health services, SecondMedic stands out due to its integrated care model, specialist availability, chronic disease support, remote monitoring tools, and preventive healthcare programs. For patients seeking a complete, reliable, and patient-centric telemedicine experience, SecondMedic remains a top choice.

To explore telemedicine services, visit www.secondmedic.com

 

References

  • NITI Aayog - Telemedicine guidelines for India
     

  • Statista - Telemedicine adoption and market size
     

  • ABDM - Digital health mission framework
     

  • WHO - Teleconsultation standards
     

  • IMARC - Digital health ecosystem growth
     

  • SecondMedic platform insights

See all

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