Posted by New Delhi: AXA in India has added a free specialist teleconsultation feature to its telemedicine CSR initiative SAATH (Supportive Action Across Telemedicine and Healthcare). This will support the company’s goal of expanding health and protection across all geographies through new services.
SAATH is a ‘One AXA’ public health initiative between AXA France Vie, AXA GO Business Operations, and AXA XL. It provides free general and specialist consultation to more than 25 crore people in four Indian states – Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
“Prevention is underestimated; it stops a disease from becoming cost consuming and life threatening. Prevention can be achieved through technology-aided healthcare like SAATH, which will eventually save lives,” said Dr Alfred Beil, AXA’s Group CMO (PhD. in cancer research).
SAATH offers specialists in five areas – Dermatology, Gynecology, Pediatrics, Orthopedics and Oncology. Dr V.K.Paul, a member of Niti Aayog, commended, “Telemedicine is now a way of life in the context of Covid-19 across the world and particularly in India.”
“It is a fantastic tool that adds to other impactful initiatives. Health has always been a high priority for AXA in all geographies. It is our mission as a major insurance company to contribute positively to society,” said Odette Cesari, Head of Business Development – AXA Life and Health International Solutions.
The introduction of specialists feature by AXA in India will help to provide relevant expert consultation for critical health issues, especially to the vulnerable.
“With women, children and the elderly being our key concerns, specialist care will have a significant impact on communities in India. This has all been made possible through the combined efforts of all the AXA entities in India. Our NGO partner SEWA International, our technology partners Paramba Foundation and our tech-based cancer care provider Karkinos Healthcare,” said Ankur Nijhawan, CEO of AXA France Vie India Reinsurance branch.
“Supporting local communities in India through our CSR activities continues to be a priority for AXA XL in India. SAATH gave us the opportunity to help those families most in need, ensuring they get access to the healthcare they require, and the addition of medical specialists will further enhance an already important initiative,” said Derek Nazareth, Head of Global Operations and Country Head – AXA XL in India.
“In the last few months, I have seen SAATH support our communities beyond expectations. My belief in our association with the project is further strengthened by the far-reaching impact it has managed to create,” shared Sebastien Legrand, India Head – AXA GO Business Operations.
AXA in India through SAATH now offers teleconsultation from general practitioners, nutritionists, and specialists from five areas of medicine. Prepared to take on any spike in Covid-19 numbers in India, the helpline is also armed with real-time information of medical resources available to all its callers, free of charge.