More than 400 psychiatric patients receive medical attention through videoconference or phone calls
Following the social distancing and COVID-19 prevention measures in Peru, the National Institute of Mental Health Honorio Delgado-Hideyo Noguchi, offered its patients to continue their psychiatric sessions through digital telemedicine platforms.
Humberto Castillo, director general of the National Institute of Mental Health (INSM), considered that "the period of social isolation by the COVID-19 crisis has led to an opportunity to innovate telematic mental health services as health care alternatives, which drive destigmatization and could radically change the vision of the medical consultation in mental health in the future."
In addition to teleconsulting services, INSM also coordinates the delivery of medicines. To avoid rows and contact between patients, the processes are followed remotely to schedule an appointment at one of the three locations: Carabayllo, Comas and Rimac.
To access this service, patients can make an appointment by phone or virtually through http://www.insm.gob.pe/
Telehealth tools are being boosted in Peru following the state of emergency declared since the COVID-19 outbreak. A decree has even been enacted that promotes and accepts the proper use of such digital tools.