The online hospital developed by WeDoctor and the Tai’an government is stepping up efforts to offer medical support to those in need. [Photo/dzwww.com]

Zhang Guangmei, a 64-year-old diabetic, received her diabetes drugs without leaving home thanks to the online hospital for chronic diseases developed by the Hangzhou-based WeDoctor and Tai'an government in September.

The online hospital has connected with the city's 23 outpatient pharmacies for chronic diseases, making remote diagnoses and treatment possible.

Amid the novel coronavirus epidemic, the online hospital is providing a one-stop platform for online consultations, prescriptions, drug purchases, medical insurance payments, and door-to-door drug delivery for people with chronic diseases in the city.

Chen Lihua, deputy director of the cardiovascular department of the Tai'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said the online hospital was helpful to both patients and doctors, as it provides healthcare services to patients and allows them to obtain drugs without leaving their homes.

Thus far, over 6,000 doctors from 80 hospitals have provided online medical consultations and treatments to 18,000 residents of Tai'an, according to officials.

The online hospital, a national pilot project, is also expected to be promoted in other cities in Shandong province.