NEW DELHI: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has launched a telemedicine facility to provide critical healthcare support to people affected by floods across North India. The initiative aims to ensure that medical aid, consultations, and support reach vulnerable populations during the ongoing crisis. A dedicated helpline, operational from 9 am to 5 pm daily, has been set up to assist flood victims.

Dr Amarinder Singh Malhi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Interventional Radiology at AIIMS, confirmed that the telemedicine services are being extended to all flood-affected areas. People in need of medical guidance can contact the helpline at 9355023967.

He explained that the decision followed a four-day field visit to flood-hit areas in Punjab, where the medical team attended to more than 3,100 patients suffering from a range of health issues exacerbated by the floods.

"Over the course of four days, our team attended to about 3,100 patients. Symptoms of fever, cough, diarrhoea, and skin infections are being seen in people. Surprisingly, some patients were found to be living with diabetes and hypertension without being aware of their condition. Such individuals are being treated," Dr Malhi said.