Two Indian doctors have launched world's first 'e-hospital' that connects patients to specialists from across the globe on a virtual platform — all consultations, prescriptions and even diagnostic examinations are conducted via the internet.

The virtual 'multi-speciality' hospital boasts of at least 300 doctors in over 85 specialities from around 22 countries in the world. It also promises a response within 72 hours of the patient’s consultation.

"Patients in India, especially from small towns and villages, do not have access to super speciality treatment. While India has around 24 million internet users and over 35 million mobile internet users, people still have to travel miles to see a specialist, and even then, it may not be the right doctor for his ailment," explains facio-plastic surgeon, Dr Debraj Shome, one of the founders of the e-hospital MediAngels, which is widely being used for 'second opinion'.

The patient, or his doctor first needs to create a profile on the website, and upload his medical history and relevant reports.

While the website can choose the best specialist according to the patient’s case, the patient himself has the option of choosing his doctor.

"Take the case of toddler Senthil from Nellore. He was being treated by a GP for repeated vomiting, diarrhea and tummy swelling. A local doctor recommended that they seek an opinion from MediAngels specialist, and a world famous paediatrician was consulted online. After ordering a slew of tests, also conducted through the website, the child was diagnosed with a condition called 'malrotation' that required surgical correction," explains Dr Arbinder Singal, co-founder of the hospital.

The hospital has tied up with local diagnostic labs that will visit the patients at their house to collect samples, and send the test results to the consultant's profile. Prescriptions will be notified through mobile.

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