Telemedicine is gaining traction for seafarers in the US as regulations around the Covid-19 pandemic create difficulties and delays accessing in-person medical care, according to US-based marine insurance provider Skuld.
This includes refilling prescriptions and obtaining medical supplies, due to restrictions on shore leave and crew changes, quarantine requirements and port closings.
Quoted in online news site Maritime Advocate Online, the company points out that with easier access to telemedicine, seafarers in US ports can now receive medical evaluations, diagnoses and treatment, including prescriptions, by telemedicine consultation.
And although the changes to telemedicine are temporary, some medical experts in the US have urged that they be made permanent, the company says.