The Union of Students Ireland (USI) has announced a partnership with VideoDoc worth approximately €7 million. The partnership will allow students who are members of the USI to access a free online GP service 7 days a week from now until the end of this current academic year.
The partnership was announced as part of the USI’s ‘Healthy Living Week’ which aims to promote healthy living and wellness across 37 campuses in Ireland.
VideoDoc is an Irish company that offers online GP services in Ireland and the UK. Using the VideoDoc App or the VideoDoc website, patients with a desktop or mobile device can log on from anywhere, including their sickbed, office or hotel room and see a GP. Each doctor is registered with the Irish Medical Council and the VideoDoc online GP service is available from 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week.
Speaking at the launch President of the USI Michael Kerrigan said ‘ We are delighted to partner with VideoDoc to provide free GP healthcare to our members. With the high cost of living and accommodation being the main factor in student poverty, our students can now rest assured that if they get sick they can save money on a GP visit with VideoDoc.”
Mr Kerrigan went on to say, “USI Healthy Living Week is part of our month long health and wellbeing campaign making sure students are educated and enabled to look after their own physical and mental health. This no-cost service will help students, and save them money.”
UCD is not a member of USI having voted to disaffiliate in 2013. Another referendum for re-affiliation was held in 2016 but was defeated. CEO and founder of VideoDoc Mary O’Brien said that students who are not members of the USI can avail of VideoDoc at a cost of €20.
Rachel O’Neill – Editor
