16649 Commissioning Newspaper-A4_Layout 1 04/08/2015 15:46 Page 15
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GPDQ - the UK’s first doctor on demand app
After a short break, the panel was treated to a presentation from Dr
Anshumen Bhagat, chief medical officer and founder of GPDQ – the UK’s
first doctor on demand app. Dr Bhagat said that GPDQ allowed patients
to see a private doctor at an affordable price, using innovative mobile
technology, while at the same time allowing GPs to have job flexibility. “This
is about retaining GPs – we want them to have a different option. This
allows them to start their own virtual general practice.” The system is due
to launch in London next month (note to editor: August), and advantages
for patients include the ability to book a GP visit in seconds at a
standardised and affordable price, with convenience of location. “We are
here to deliver a service that’s reliable trustworthy and branded,” said Dr
Bhagat.
Interest from the panel was high, with questions on the pricing model and
the size of the market. Sheinaz Stansfield pointed out that although she
could see the benefits in London, people in Gateshead wouldn’t be able to
afford it. Nick Offer asked whether the NHS was a potential customer, to
which Dr Bhagat responded: “When the NHS is ready for us we would be
absolutely happy to have discussions to see how we can help.” But there
were concerns about whether patients would share information about the
visit with their NHS GP, and also around dealing with patients with mental
health i