“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Walt Disney
I first explored the idea of a mobile medical service with B many years ago when granny had to go to the A&E in the middle of the night because she wasn’t feeling very well.
Since granny has a weak immune system, we were worried about how she might be affected by the potentially long waiting time and exposure to other bugs and viruses in the hospital. The entire family rushed to the scene and the tension was definitely brewing in the air as the night went on, especially as they only allowed two family members to accompany her at a time, the rest were outside waiting nervously for any news or updates.
It turned out to be nothing. (Thank God!) This sparked the convo about the convenience of doctors visiting patients’ homes.
B said while working in our polyclinics, he’s always been surprised that very elderly and frail patients need to make their way down to the clinic for their regular checkups or for minor health issues when they could easily be treated at home via a house call doctor like they are in the UK. We talked about how helpful it would be if doctors could do the same here, the doctor could treat you at home and at the same time also check what medicines patients have at home so they don’t have to buy more if they don’t need to. And most importantly, the doctor could help inform the family members on the spot about the diagnosis or via video calls and text messages if the family are not able to be there.
Fast forward to today, after years of planning and preparation we are finally able to launch RESCU.sg, a 24-hour doctor house call medical service which allows experienced doctors to see you in the comfort of your own home, dispense medicines and even issue MCs to you without you ever having to step a foot outside.
Our New Website Is Up!
Our website went live last week!
As you can tell, our website looks quite different to conventional medical websites (my fault – guilty as charged! Hehe!). I really wanted to make this a fresh, warm and welcoming site that you’ll remember. Medical care can be frightening, cold and clinical but it doesn’t have to be that way. We wanted to make medicine approachable and accessible, to deliver healthcare in a simple and straightforward way that people can really understand. I really hope with RESCU, we can remove some of the stress and worry you might face when you, your child and loved ones fall sick.
I worked with B to curate the house call service we think our loved ones would want. So no ‘For Doctors By Doctors’ slogan, but instead, it’s a service ‘For Patients By Patients‘. I’m not a doctor but I’ve definitely been a patient many times and a worried family member of a patient. Working with B, I hope I’ve been able to create something which can really make things easier for everyone.
When I’m sick, the last thing I want to do is spend my entire day in a clinic, waiting for my turn to see the doctor. Eek!
So if you’re like me and you just want to curl up in bed when you’re feeling under the weather, rest at home and enjoy your chicken soup while secretly wishing the doctor could come to you for a change, well now with RESCU house call services, you probably can!
An arm and a leg?
Well, we agree that most house call services cost a bomb and most of them are only for the really serious stuff but we hope to change that with RESCU. After doing the math again and again, we decided to focus on all the usual suspects like your common cough and cold, headache, stomach flu, sore eyes, cramps et al. And by doing so, we’re able to provide this service at a fraction of the usual price.
And for complete peace of mind and transparency, we’ve decided to go one step further and put all our consultation rates and medicine prices on the website right on our home page. So there are literally no hidden costs or nasty surprises!
While you’re resting at home waiting for your doctor to come, you might actually be protecting your community by minimising the spread of germs and viruses to others, so it’s win-win!
It wasn’t the most smooth-sailing ride but we’re glad we’re finally able to roll it out!
We hope RESCU gives you another option the next time you fall sick. Hopefully you don’t ever need to call us, but if you do, the Road Essential Services Clinical Unit (RESCU) is 100% here for you!
“The fruit of your own hard work is the sweetest.”
We’re currently in talks with the Ministry of Health (MOH). If things go to plan, we’ll be endorsed by MOH as part of their new Licensing Experimentation and Adaptation Programme (LEAP). This means we’ll be able to work hand in hand with them to give you the most comprehensive and safe house call service possible.
*fingers crossed*
Meanwhile, if you have any feedback or comments regarding our service or just the general medical scene in Singapore, please feel free to reach out to me. I don’t work for the government but being in the programme, I may be able to help convey your views directly to those who do.
Thank you!
Thank you to all our friends, family and readers here who’ve been following us on this journey and all the encouraging words and support you’ve given us. Your words mean the world to us and they really helped push us through. We couldn’t be more grateful to be surrounded by a like-minded and positive community. I’m sorry if this is beginning to sound like an Oscar speech but we’re really happy and thankful today lah! Hehe!
Finally! If you’re going to explore our website, look out for hidden Binkies (our little Bunny health assistant). Haha!
Have fun and stay healthy!
Your friend, Juliana