Mobile apps are helping patients to manage their health condition more efficiently thanks to the Ministry of Health’s incorporation of smartphone apps which can monitor patient’s health from a distance, monitor their treatment, drug side-effects and compliance with the treatment.

The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu has recently launched smartphone applications in a bid to render better medical care. The new apps allow physicians and medical staff to receive critical lab reports and messages instantly and securely on their smartphones, tablets or computers. The data helps diagnose patients faster, more accurately and more efficiently.

The smartphone app technology allows health care providers to work together to take care of their patients better, Atif Al-Ghadi, senior official of the Royal Commission in Yanbu told Arab News on Thursday.

He said that the unique program was launched by Alaa Naseef, CEO of the Royal Commission in Yanbu, on Wednesday.

The apps make it easier for patients’ information to be sent and received from one medical expert to another. “The patients can seek appointments with their doctors or make changes through the apps,” he added.

“Medical staff is able to send images and pictures, EKGs (electrocardiograms) and even X-rays on the apps. Important lab reports from the emergency room or laboratory in the hospital can be sent directly to your phone as well,” said Al-Ghadi.

“In order to provide appropriate treatment, doctors need to make a clear diagnosis through access to accurate information,” he said adding, “We want to use technology that actually benefits patients, patient care and helps them to live longer and happier lives.”

Al-Ghadi noted that approved employers can also seek the patients’ medical reports and request for a printout.

He pointed out that the Royal Commission Hospital in Yanbu is the largest in the Red Sea port city with a 244-bed capacity, offering a wide range of medical and health services.