GOOGLE HEALTHCARE OPTIONS IN SEARCH, MAPS

With COVID-19 lockdown, many people are unable to seek medical advice and keeping this in mind, Google is introducing two new features in Search and Maps “over the coming week” that will make it easier for people to connect to virtual healthcare options.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, many healthcare providers are reducing or stopping in-person visits for a variety of patient needs, from the treatment of chronic conditions to mental health services to evaluating cough and cold symptoms. Healthcare providers like hospitals, doctors, and mental health professionals in the US can now enter a virtual care offering in their Business Profile, so that people searching for their local provider, for instance, might see a “get online care” link on Search and Maps. “Clicking this link will take people to that provider’s virtual care website where they can find more information, and in many cases, schedule a virtual healthcare visit with a provider,” Google said in a statement on Friday.

Health consultations over the phone or by video conference not only help alleviate strain on doctors’ offices and emergency rooms but are also recommended as an important way to protect patients and staff against COVID-19.

Concerns relating to global recession triggered by the ongoing coronavirus epidemic have rattled stock markets around the world. Growth forecasts have been revised downwards and after sharp market corrections, valuations have come to record low levels. Global policymakers have also been responding to the crisis with unprecedented level of monetary as well as fiscal stimulus. Though the Indian government has been doing a commendable job to counter the coronavirus epidemic by imposing a countrywide lockdown at the right time, the impact of it would be severe on the government’s balance sheet. This would lead to a higher fiscal deficit, fall in revenue collections, increasing government support in the form of an economic package,