Press Release
For Immediate Release
DOC2US launches Virtual HIV Clinic Providing Free Consultation
Commemorating International AIDS Memorial Day 2023 with Malaysian AIDS Council
Kuala Lumpur, 17 May 2023 – In conjunction with the International AIDS Memorial Day 2023 (IAMD), DOC2US, Malaysia’s leading digital health and e-prescriptions provider and the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC), Malaysia’s leading non-profit umbrella organisation which supports and coordinates the efforts of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on HIV and AIDS issues here, co-organised a commemoration event to officially launch DOC2US’ Virtual HIV Clinic.
Responding to DOC2US’ Virtual HIV Clinic initiative, MAC President Associate Professor Dr Raja Iskandar Shah Raja Azwa said, “It is great to see a significant increase in telemedicine and virtual platforms available for medical consultations for persons with or at risk of HIV post COVID
Working together with DOC2US and other private entities provides an additional option for access to care for people who are not currently engaged in care for various reasons to come forward, start treatment and be retained in care in a safe space without discrimination, thus preventing HIV-related complications. Telemedicine is certainly the way forward but patient selection is key. COVID has shown us the importance of embracing technology and we welcome future collaborations with DOC2US,” he adds.
The Virtual HIV Clinic is the company’s effort dedicated to providing accessible, equitable and inclusive healthcare to People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and key populations through technology, in line with UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3).
Leveraging on DOC2US’ technology, the virtual clinic aims to be an avenue and alternative for PLHIV and key populations to seek free medical consultations on HIV or STD related matters through teleconsultations with DOC2US’ licensed and board approved doctors. The platform also allows PLHIV and key populations to obtain self-test kits, lab test referrals and e-prescriptions for medication.
Commenting on this, DOC2US CEO and Co-Founder Dr Raymond Choy stated, “The digital space is a readily accessible and indiscriminate facility for everyone. Understanding the stigma, discrimination, or other challenges that PLHIV and key populations might face, we hope to provide a virtual outlet that enables people in need to seek treatment and care in confidence. It is an honour to receive the support of MAC to bring this event to life.”
IAMD 2023 is known to be one of the world’s oldest and largest grassroots mobilisation campaigns for HIV awareness in the world. Under its global theme "Spread Love and Solidarity to Build Stronger Communities", MAC and DOC2US aim to draw attention to the challenges that individuals with HIV face due to ongoing discrimination, which can cause shame, self-doubt, and isolation.
The virtual event held on a teleconference platform, featured an online panel session as its highlight, ‘Leave No One Behind’ - to address the barriers and outlook for HIV management and prevention in Malaysia. Moderated by award-winning journalist, Audrey Edwards, the session hosted a panel of esteemed medical professionals, doctors and PLHIV guests to share their stories and experiences:
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Mr Andrew Tan, President of Kuala Lumpur AIDS Support Services Society (KLASS) and PLHIV Guest
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Mr Peter Jambai, PLHIV Guest
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Datuk Dr Christopher Lee, Former National Advisor for Infectious Diseases in the Ministry of Health (MOH) and founding president of the Kuala Lumpur AIDS Support Society (KLASS)
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Professor Dr James Koh, Infectious Disease Specialist & Deputy Dean at International Medical University (IMU)
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Dr Raymond Choy, CEO and Co-founder of DOC2US
MAC also showcased its crowd-sourced video mini production that showcases solidarity, with people from all walks of life sharing their love, support and understanding to those who need it the most. They remembered those lost to AIDS-related illnesses and re-committed efforts to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.
Dr Choy also reiterated the company’s outlook to prioritise treatment for PLHIV in the country and encourage more fruitful public-private partnerships in the industry. “We want to enable equal access to healthcare and medication for everyone regardless of their background. This is our first step for us as to achieving the national vision of reaching our global HIV target, 95-95-95, which is 95% of those living with HIV to know their status, 95% of those who know their status to be on treatment and 95% of those on treatment to be virally suppressed. We look forward to more collaborative opportunities with likeminded organisations such as the MAC.”
DOC2US’ Virtual HIV Clinic is accessible via DOC2US telehealth app available on Google Play Store, Apple App Store, Huawei App Gallery as well as their website for desktop. The clinic operates every Wednesday, from 1.00pm to 5.00pm.
DOC2US and Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) HIV Panel Session (from left to right):
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Professor Dr James Koh, Infectious Disease Specialist & Deputy Dean at International Medical University (IMU),
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Audrey Edwards, Special Red Ribbon Media Award-winning journalist
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Mr Andrew Tan, President of Kuala Lumpur AIDS Support Services Society (KLASS) and PLHIV Guest
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Datuk Dr Christopher Lee, Former National Advisor for Infectious Diseases in the Ministry of Health (MOH) and founding president of the Kuala Lumpur AIDS Support Society (KLASS),
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Dr Raymond Choy, CEO & Co-founder of DOC2US,
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Peter Jambai, Special PLHIV Guest and PLHIV
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Dr Dinesh Mahalingam, Vice President of MAC,
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Thanabalasingam Balakrishnan, Communications Specialist of MAC
DOC2US Virtual HIV Clinic
Virtual HIV Clinic App Interface and Process
