The concept of getting a paid or free online doctor consultation is not a recent addition in the healthcare industry. However, since the pandemic hit the world, the awareness and adoption of the same have increased greatly. This is because, even though the healthcare industry is the prime support during these tough times, the hospitals and doctor clinics were flooded with Covid patients for the longest time. This in turn left the other people who required medical assistance and consultancy for other health issues unattended, making it difficult for them to survive or help themselves.
It is indeed a blessing that with the help of technology, everyone in the country today can easily avail of medical support and guidance from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, even the healthcare workers are no longer guilty of restricting their medical assistance to Covid-19 patients alone. Let us be honest, even though it seems like a good idea, every individual is different. Thus, there still exist some people who refrain themselves from making the best use of the paid and free online doctor consultation available to support them for their own doubts.
The future is the complete digitisation of every activity and the healthcare industry is not far behind. It is efficient, effective and more favourable for both doctors and patients.
In order to understand the overall effectiveness and potential downside of a paid or free online doctor consultation, let us consider the following pros and cons of the same.
Potential Benefits
There is no doubt that this availability of paid and free online doctor consultation is, in its truest sense, the most important requirement in today’s fast-paced world. As far as the advantages or benefits of a paid or free online doctor consultation is concerned, there are plenty of reasons why choosing online consultation is the right decision. Let us discuss some of them below:
Saves Time and Energy
One of the most important advantages of a paid or free online doctor consultation is that it reduces the hassle of switching locations and travelling time and energy. This is because you can easily sit at the comfort of your home and away with the required doctor consultation in a few quick steps.
Cost-effective
Other than being highly flexible and convenient, another added advantage of a paid orfree online doctor consultation is that it is very cost-effective. The main reason why these online doctor consultations are more economical for the patients is that there is no travelling costs, another additional cost incurred by the patients when they visit doctors in person.
Medical History Back-up
With the help of online doctor consultation, you also benefit from medical history back up on an online platform which reduces the hassle of physical papers and documentation greatly. This in turn already solves half the problems relating to in-person doctor consultations.
Potential Downside
Just like every coin has two sides, and so even the smallest concerns regarding a paid or free online doctor consultation can be a big thing for some people. There is no confirmation that the below-mentioned cons are definite in the case of online consultation. However, being on the lookout for the same and then making your decision is very important to be fully satisfied with the medical treatment you received from the doctor online.
Privacy Concerns
One of the most common concerns put across by the majority of the people who do not choose a pair of free online doctor consultations is the lack of a guarantee of security. Even though most online platforms, doctors and hospitals promise to keep the patient information secure, it can be difficult to trust fully.
Lack of Access to Technology
The main purpose of a paid or free online doctor consultation is that it can reach a larger target population and help the maximum number of people. However, one fact that cannot be ignored is that access to technology, especially in a country like ours, is available to all. This is why, even though the intention is good, the limited access to technology is a big pain point to resolve.
Accuracy Concerns
When you visit a doctor, the doctor usually uses a physical check-up as the main deciding factor before concluding your diagnosis. Now, when you choose online doctor consultation, the doctor can no longer analyse your medical concern in person, and so the patients are reluctant and feel that the concluding diagnosis is inaccurate.
Overall, to conclude, there is no right or wrong as clearly, the benefits or the pros of a paid or free online doctor consultation overpower the potential downside by a great percent. Yes, it is fair to be hesitant when you do it for the first time, however, with this online doctor consultation, satisfaction and efficiency is guaranteed. The future is digitisation and the complete adoption of technology in all aspects of life is what the future holds. It is the right time to get well-acquainted with these changes as firstly, it is more beneficial in the long run and secondly, it saves time, energy and money. Book a free online doctor consultation today!
Chef Asma Khan calls for an end to macho kitchens and celebrates older women in professional cooking.
Advocates unionising hospitality and improving working conditions across the industry.
Explains founding the Second Daughters Foundation to support girls’ education in India.
Discusses the political role of food in promoting labour rights and dignity.
Redefining kitchens and leadership
In the latest episode of Shami’s Speakeasy, chef and campaigner Asma Khan joined host Shami Chakrabarti to discuss justice, feminism, race and the politics of food. Chakrabarti described Khan as “not so much a celebrity chef as a revolutionary chef.”
Khan highlighted her all-women team at Darjeeling Express, many of whom are grandmothers, calling it “a powerhouse.” Rejecting the macho culture of celebrity kitchens, she said the average age of women cooking in her kitchen is 50, demonstrating that older women are central to professional cooking.
Unionising hospitality and work-life challenges
Khan spoke candidly about labour conditions in hospitality and the impossibility of perfect work-life balance for shift workers and entrepreneurs. She called for restaurant workers to unionise, reflecting on exploitation during COVID and ongoing staffing pressures: “Without collective action, we can never get anywhere.”
She also shared her approach to parenting and entrepreneurship: “There is no word called ‘balance’ for some of us. The only way out is to forgive yourself and keep going.”
Second Daughters and food as a force for change
As a second daughter, Khan founded the Second Daughters Foundation, supporting girls’ education in India through school meals and practical assistance for those most likely to be kept at home.
Khan also described food as a political tool, using it to “shake the world gently” while emphasising labour, dignity and respect alongside ingredients.
Episode details
Shami’s Speakeasy: Asma Khan is available on all major podcast platforms from 15 October 2025. Additional resources and artwork inspired by the discussion will be shared in the Speakeasy Zine on the show’s website and to subscribers.
Asma Khan is the founder of Darjeeling Express, London, and an advocate for dignity in hospitality and women’s rights. Shami Chakrabarti is a human rights lawyer, legislator, and broadcaster who hosts Shami’s Speakeasy as a forum for honest conversations on values, ethics and social change.
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