16.04.2020

cargo ship at sea
The COVID-19 pandemic is not only affecting seafarers navigating to countries with detected cases of coronavirus, but the whole maritime industry as well.

Masters of the vessels need to be advised more than ever on the management of suspected COVID-19 cases on board as well as conditions unrelated to coronavirus. Medical case management of cardio, gastro, trauma, psychiatric and other diseases may become a greater challenge due to onshore restrictions imposed all over the world during this pandemic.

Global Voyager Assistance (GVA) with its unique experience as a global medical assistance company and maritime telemedicine provider has launched a support program for shipping companies.

90-Day Medical Support Program for Vessels during COVID-19 pandemic

GVA Program includes the following:

  • 24/7 Telemedicine support to vessels worldwide with remote assessment and advice (no purchase and installation of any equipment on the vessels is required)
  • Medical recommendations to Masters and crew members in case of diseases and injuries aboard (in relation or no relation to COVID-19) for treatment, testing, hospitalization, medical evacuation or repatriation
  • Advice to the Master and officers when facing a suspected COVID-19 case
  • Advice to Crew manager, Master and officers on safety and protection measures for the crew
  • Recommendations for additional medical inventory on board for vessels during the pandemic based on the geographical area
  • Medical monitoring in case of hospitalization ashore
  • Unique air transportation capabilities for seafarers with coronavirus: Medical evacuation and repatriation of COVID-19 patients by air ambulance with special transporting units for certain cases, when possible

Medical services within this Program are provided by a team of highly qualified GVA ICU Doctors with 20 years of experience in remote medical consulting. GVA Medical & Operations Team is monitoring the COVID-19 situation all over the world including information on ports and cross-border restrictions and COVID-19 treatment guidelines, and is receiving medical updates from their colleagues in International Assistance Group and International Society of Travel Medicine.

GVA is a Member of the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) since 2008.