Another first! Safaricom will be officially launching the Daktari 1525. This service, that was initially referred to as DIAL-A-DOC during test, will now be available for 24 hours effectively from tonight (22nd November 2011 at 8:00 pm.  The Daktari 1525 service will enable customers to speak to a doctor and quickly get information on various medical issues by dialing 1525 on their Safaricom lines

Here are a few FAQs in Daktari 1525:

What is Daktari 1525 Service?

This is a linkage service that enables customers to get information on various medical issues though the phone. The service also allows customers to reach medical service quickly to talk to a qualified medical practitioner through the phone.

 

Who Owns the service?

This service is a partnership between Safaricom and Call-a-Doc Ltd where Safaricom offers technological support and Call-a-Doc ltd offers medical personnel to handle customer queries.

Will customers get prescriptions or Diagnosis over the phone through the service?

No. The service gives advice to callers on appropriate level of care and does not offer diagnosis or prescriptions over the phone. For serious cases, callers will be advised to visit a doctor for proper diagnosis and medication. The objective is to educate callers and offer a certain degree of assurance before further medical attention is sought.

What type of information will customers be able to access through this service?

The Service will provide callers with information on: first aid, common medical problems, health conditions, proper use of medicine, home remedies and natural cures.

What number will customers call to access the service?

The service is accessible through dialing 1525 from a Safaricom line.

What are the operating hours?

The service is accessible 24 hours daily.

How much will customers be charged?

Calls will cost KES 20 per minute per second billing. The first 30 seconds are free when the introductory voice recording is playing.

Who will be answering the calls?

Subscribers will talk to qualified medical personnel registered with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board.

Will referral to a specialist or health facility be possible?

Yes for cases that require a visit to a health professional or facility, appropriate referral will be made.

Will patient confidentiality apply?

Yes. The service strictly observes patient-doctor confidentiality and any patient information disclosed during the call will be kept confidential. Calls will be recorded for Quality of service purposes. Call-a-Doc will be entrusted with keeping the patient’s information strictly confidential